Jake

Beginning in mid September of this year Jake began to develop abnormally enlarged abdomen and became very lethargic. Russ took Jake to Broadview Medical Clinic and through a series of tests determine that Jake probably had Cushing's disease. That cost $154.

He called the Colorado State Veterinarian Hospital which provided him a list of veterinarians in the Denver area that worked on a low cost budget for retired people. He selected and went to PetAid they did an analysis for $192. They also told him that he should just put Jake down, and said it would cost him another $400 to run the testing to confirm Cushing's.

It was then suggested that he go to MaxFund. what he did beginning on August 18th the initial visit was simply to gather information that visit cost $35. on August 25th he went in for the first of two evaluations for Cushing's the first one cost $215 it was followed by a second test on September 22nd which cost another $180. And that was followed up by the consultation on October 6th which cost $118.

Russ watches the animal channel and thought he would call Dr. Jeff Young who has the program on the animal animal channel Rocky Mountain Vet, he saw him on October 30th they ran X-rays and additional testing and it was a determine that in addition to Cushing's Jake also has congestive hepatopath which requires surgery. Jake also has sebaceous cysts and papillomas. This diagnosis cost $120.

On November 3rd Russ took Jake back to MaxFund for review of the information provided by Dr. Jeff's office it was confirmed that a surgery would be required. That consultation was $22 the estimate for the surgery and the follow up would be in the range of $1200 to $1,500

To date just for the visits and consultations the bills have run over $1,000. This does not include the medication which run about $120 per month at this time.

Information on Russ, Russ 73 years old, he is a Navy veteran he lives on about $1,200 a month. He is constantly volunteering at various food banks, such as his church, Church of the Risen Christ. And always helps his neighbors with just about anything they ask with never asking for anything in return. 

Russ only family is a sister that lives in Michigan. She just recently lost her husband. Russ does not drive doesn't have a car but gets by and is just a very nice guy.

Jake is a service dog he is about 10 years old he's with Russ all the time. I know Russ has contemplated all the options with Jake. But I also know that Jake is a very intrical part of his life, their lives.

I think they both deserve a second chance. Anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated.