Big Ben Justice

                                  www.DearBenji.org

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Notice the change?
We lowered the amount we are seeking to cover the  projected cost of a wheelchair ($400-650) and supportive footwear for winter ($100).

Non-monetary donations PREFERRED.
We are looking for non-monetary donations to help support Big Ben's ongoing costs of renal-support diet (Kidney prescription food), supplements, and treats. Please reference the ongoing costs section at the bottom of Big Ben's Story for more detail.

This Is | Big Ben's Story

Big Ben (Benji; Dear Benji) is my service dog. I am a veteran with PTSD (sexual trauma). Benji keeps me together and is my world. Early in June 2017, Benji split his toenail and I took him back to his regular veterinarian at Eascor Animal Hospital.  The doctor (Balwant Singh)  halfway repaired it, citing "fur" as the reason he would not fully examine the toenail. I assumed this was fine since he was the doctor. 

A few days later, the same toenail was further injured and turned completely horizontal. I took him in that morning and was yelled at by the Eascor doctor for being emotional and coming in without an appointment. I was then told the nail had to be removed completely and the doctor would skip lunch to perform the surgery.  He did and left his PA to give after-care instructions. They didn't.

I called back a couple of days later to ask when the bandage should come off and was told by the PA that she didn't know and would have the doctor call me back. He did - days later. I was told to come in that afternoon. Once there I was again yelled at and told, "I hope everything is okay. It wasn't.

When he took the bandage off, the pads of Benji's foot fell off. 

                             [Pads fell off foot at Eascor]

The Eascor doctor told me it was just an infection which antibiotics would clear up. In reality, Benji's foot had gangrene and the infection it was putting into his body would ultimately cause loss of limb and Kidney failure.

                                              [Gangrene - Photo]

                                          [Gangrene Video]

My sould no longer allowed me to  trust the Eascor doctor after he told me that I should come back in a few days - to give the Baytril time to clear up the infection. So, I called Mayfair Veterinary Clinic and they had me bring him in that morning. 

Dr. Wendy Woodard properly diagnosed Benji's conditions and immediately admitted him as an emergency. But, the amputation could not go immediatley forward because of kidney damage and anemia resulting from the gangrene infection.

           [Benji receives IV Drip for fluids at Mayfair]

She placed him on an IV drip and we watched and waited for his numbers to improve so he could survive the surgery. I even took him home for the weekend to help strengthen him. The following Monday his numbers had improved enough to have the amputation - albeit with a caveat. Benji would need a blood transfusion both before and after surgery.

                            [Waiting for Blood to Arrive]

Once he went in for surgery, due to the anemia, Dr. Woodard made sure there were no parts which would end up bleeding, further impeding his recovery. This doubled the estimated surgery time. Nevertheless, the surgery was a success and Benji was able to come home that evening. 

                    [Learning to help Benji balance]

Today, Benji was told that he does not need any additional follow-ups for his amputation because his recovery is complete. However, he is to return if anything seems wrong or is of concern. But, he still has medical issues which have to be paid for.

                                 CONTINUING COSTS
Because of insufficient Kidney function, he is required to remain on kidney food - which is $35 per bag. 

Because of the stress on his remaining limbs, he is on Glucosamine & Chondroitan for dogs -which is $42 per month.

Because of the loss of limb which impacts his ability to get proper nutrition, he is on a canine multi-vitamin - which is $5 per month, and acidophilus to help push the excess phosphorous out of this body, which is $11 per month.

Notwithstanding that, he will need another kidney panel in 4 months - which is $197. I was told this is done every 6 months until the kidneys are within normal limits. The last one was done in July.

Finally, we are looking to obtain a wheelchair due to the inability of animal-prosthesis companies to provide a prosthetic for him. Although he can live a happy life with only three limbs, Benji does become tired and need help up the steps to bed or to get in the house. He also has great difficulty with ordinary movement on cold and rainy days - so this is not anticipated to be a pleasant Winter. 

This fatigue has also caused him to occassionally drag his remaining rear limb. On really cold or rainy days, he often is unable to lift his rear end. Therefore, the desire to reduce the strain on him is evident. I have been told a wheelchair will start at $400 and will followup when I have more concrete information. Ultimately, we will relocate to a dry climate.

                                        [Benji Today - Part I]

                                       [Benji Today - Part II]

PLEASE NOTE: All funds received go soley to Benji.

Any assistance is appreciated.