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Kobi's Veterinary Fund

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Most of you already know me (and my family) personally, but for those of you who don't and are considering helping our baby out, let me introduce myself. I'm Ciera and Kobi is our cockapoo whom we've had since I was 8 years old. He is honestly (and I know everyone says this) the best dog you could ever wish for. He has been our baby from day 1 and has been here for us through everything. He's incredibly smart, well-behaved, and adorable, and is the biggest lovebug out there. There isn't a single person that meets him and doesn't instantly love him. He puts a smile on literally everyone's face. He really is the sweetest dog you could ever meet.

I normally don't put personal stuff out there on social media, nor do I ask for help unless I absolutely need it.. But this just happens to be one of those cases, unfortunately.



The Situation:

About a week ago, on March 21st, I noticed Kobi's third eyelid protruding (for those of you who do not know, because I was unaware before this, a third eyelid is the inner membrane in a dog's eye used to protect and moisten their eyes). These are normally not seen unless you wake your dog, when you will then see it retract into the inner part of the eye again. However, Kobi's was out very far and would stay there, along with his body beginning to tremble.

Concerned, I contacted his vet and scheduled an urgent appointment for that day. When we got him in, the vet did a series of tests and examinations, and established that he had glaucoma. He performed a pressure test on his eyes and the numbers were significantly higher than they should have been (14). His left eye was at 52 and his right was at 26. At mid 30s, they believe the dogs to be experiencing pain. His vet had explained to us that Kobi was experiencing pain worse than the worst migraine we could imagine, which, if you have ever had a migraine, you know is insane. He prescribed him an eye drop to help reduce the pressure in his eyes, as well as an oral pain medication and requested we come back in a few days to perform another pressure test to see if there is a reduction. We came back two days later and the numbers were 28 for the left eye and 12 for the right. Because his left eye pressure was still a little high, he was prescribed another medicated eye drop to help reduce pressure further, as well as an eye drop that is used to help reduce irritation/pain.

We were recommended to an opthamologist (eye specialist) to make sure that everything was as it seemed and so more tests could be performed (that couldn't be done at the normal vet). We just brought him in today, March 27th, and they, too, did a series of tests and examinations on him. The doctor concluded that the cause of the excessive pressure in his left eye was due to lens luxation (in layman's terms, this means that his lense has been displaced from the normal position, behind his iris, to being in front of the iris). This caused his lens to act as a closed valve, which blocked the draining of the fluids that are created within the eye. Over an unknown amount of time, the fluids kept building and increasing pressure in his eye, which has now led him to be nearly completely, if not completely blind in that eye. Since vision is not salvagable in that eye, the only relief for the discomfort/pain that he is feeling is to surgically remove that eye.

I have already completely drained my bank account (I literally have $13 to my name at this point) and have maxed out my credit card going to these numerous appointments, the testing that has been done, and the medicine that he has been needing.

Thankfully, I have one of the best bosses I could ask for, allowing me to stay up here in New York with Kobi in order to make sure everything goes smoothly. However, although this is a blessing, it's also a setback for me because I have no income during this time, making it immensly difficult for me to accumulate any money in a time when I need it the most.

I cannot allow Kobi to stay in this pain/discomfort, so I will be doing whatever it takes to make sure he is comfortable.



What Needs To Happen Now?

Kobi needs to have a consultation with a cardiologist to make sure his heart will be okay under anesthesia since he has a heart murmor. The vet quoted this cost to be roughly $500+ depending on the tests that are required. An ultrasound of the heart will need to be done, and that alone is $346, while the visit itself is $135. The cardiologist may decide to run other tests, as well, which is why this is a rough estimate.

Once he gets the a-ok from the cardiologist that it is safe to go along with the surgery, then we will do so as soon as possible. The quote that was given to me by the specialist was $1,963, not including tax or any medicine that is needed after the procedure.

This is where we could use all the help we can get, even if you can only afford a dollar, it's a dollar more than we have right now and we would greatly appreciate any assistance. Kobi means the world to us and we need to make sure he is comfortable and okay.



What Do I Get Out of This?

If provided with addresses, I will gratefully handwrite a personal thank you letter to you on behalf of Kobi and my family. I (and my mother, Lolly Winne) would also be more than happy to offer any professional photographic or graphic design services to anyone who needs them as a thank you for your kindness and generosity.



What Exactly Does My Donation Go Towards?

This amount I am asking for covers the cardiologist consultation and testing, the surgery, tax, any medication needed afterwards, gas to get to and from the vet (1 1/2 hour drive, each-way), and the percentage that GoFundMe takes out.


Thank You From the Bottom of Our Hearts!!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. If you can't afford to help out monetarily, it would mean so much to us if you could share this with your friends and family. Thank you so very much.

With love,
Kobi, Ciera, Lolly, & Brady


(Below are the receipts from the previous appointments, the quote given to me for the surgery, and some more information about glaucoma and lens luxation in case you would like to know more.)

First visit:

Second visit:

Third visit (today):

Diagnosis:
Surgery Quote:

Further information:












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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $25 
    • 7 yrs
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Organizer

Ciera Fleming
Organizer
Little Falls, NY

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