Support Yogi's Life-Saving Surgery

Dearest friends,

I am facing an unimaginable challenge. One of my only dogs left alive, as I have also faced several tragic losses since July, has a rare medical emergency that is extremely time sensitive. I must raise $10,000 for his surgery, rehabilitation, and recovery. This is his story.

Yogi was dumped on the streets of Vermont and has been my lifeblood since he found me almost exactly two years ago. He is only three years of age and runs the house pack, keeping all of my foster dogs in line. He is our rock and the glue keeping us all together - the trainer of new rescues, the mediator, the protector.

Yogi has an impacted salivary mucosal gland in his mouth/throat that is restricting his airway and ability to swallow. Sedated imaging from the emergency clinic we went to early this week confirmed size of the blockage is already the size of a plum, and the liquid draining down to his throat is comparable to that of a grapefruit.

The emergency clinic recommended immediate surgery with a specialty surgeon due to the rarity of his case. Yogi can only eat very moist, cooked, soft food as swallowing is extremely challenging for him. His mobility and energy is very limited due to the stress of breathing.

Yogi will die within the next 2 weeks if he doesn't receive this surgery from asphyxiation. He is scheduled to have surgery with Veterinary Surgery of Vermont in South Burlington in one week, on September 22nd.

I have filed for 501(c)(3) status for my grassroots dog rescue, Polar Express Dogs Rescue, though I won't have the designation in time for tax-deductible donations on Yogi's surgery. I hope I can raise the necessary funds, and that he can hold on until his surgery.

Your support during this difficult time would mean the world to me and Yogi. Any contribution, no matter how small, could make the difference in saving his life. Thank you for your compassion and generosity.