Hi everyone,

My name is Erik and thank you so much for taking the time to read this! If you know me, you probably also know my dog Tubbs, who I adopted as a rescue in 2018 and he has been the most amazing emotional support through some big life changes since he's been a part of my life. He’s by my side more than he’s not.

Over the past few months, he has been dealing with 2 foxtails that had somehow entered his body and became infected, no doubt somewhere this past year on one of the numerous hikes that he loves to join us on, Tubbs is an avid walker and hiker. They appeared seemingly out of nowhere with no evidence on his skin's surface as a large lump in his armpit. Because there was no evidence on the surface of his skin, we still had no idea what was actually causing the swelling, but foxtails were the most likely explanation. Two biopsies and two expensive exploratory surgeries later, we were still not able to find the location of the foxtails that were causing this infection. At this point, we needed to go to plan-B: get a CT scan which can really help us pin-point where they could be to then do one (hopefully last) surgery to remove them. I'm incredibly happy to say that the most recent surgery was successful! They found and removed the two foxtails that were causing all of the problems, but they also had to remove a small portion of his leg muscle to retrieve them.

Although I'm thrilled and very lucky to have had this last surgery be a success due to the amazing surgeons at SAGE Redwood City, the cost of taking him to a specialty veterinary office for the scan and surgery was extremely expensive. All three surgeries that he's had up to this point add up to roughly $15,000. I'm very, very, very lucky to have had pet insurance for Tubbs for the past few years, however they are only going to cover $10,000 of the total cost.

I am here asking for some help to cover the last $5,000 of the cost of these necessary surgeries and to help with his recovery. These funds will go directly towards any medications, foods, procedures, or additional vet visits he may require through his recovery process — and maybe a few treats for being so brave. Any amount that you're willing to contribute would be so greatly appreciated, and if you aren't able to contribute money at this time, a share in your network or to family and friends would also mean so so much. Those of you who know Tubbs have seen how expressive and active of a dog he is, we can't wait to have him back on his feet again! If anyone was curious, the below image is the two foxtails they took out of him! Super small, super mean. We heard this year’s foxtail incidence has been abnormally bad due to the amount of rain last winter. Be safe out there!

Thank you for taking the time to read my and Tubb's story, if there are two things that I can impart to all dog parents out there they would be this: first: be wary of foxtails (mostly West Coast) when taking your pup on adventures, and second: get pet insurance for your animals!! I never really knew the cost of specialty veterinary care until it was really my only option, and it was definitely shocking at first sight.

-Erik and Tyler and Tubbs

He loves to yawn mid-selfie!