Winston’s Warriors

Hi all! This isn’t for me, this is for my best friend Kait... and if she knew I was doing this she’d kill me so let’s keep it on the DL. Many of you probably know her dachshund Winston, as I’ve watched him manyyyy times over the years. This past year has been awful for them, a few months ago he started losing mobility and vomiting after eating. He wound up aspirating his vomit resulting in pneumonia and a lengthy hospital stay. At that point he was diagnosed with megaesophagus, a super rare condition which requires multiple daily meds, eating in an upright position (the picture is him in his “box” during meal time), and a specialized diet. Kait has to make him “meatballs” we call them and hand feed them to him in the box so he sits up and it doesn’t get regurgitated. He then has to remain sitting up, but still sometimes is vomiting after eating, or a few hours after. She is up all night with him, checking on him, and sitting him up when she hears him starting to regurgitate. He went from a plump little dumpling to being able to see his ribs. This week he aspirated again on his vomit, resulting in another bout of pneumonia. Every time this happens he has to be taken to Red Bank, which is an emergency service and is very, very expensive to even be seen, let alone stay a few days. Kait is getting married in May, and i know December is a rough time financially for everyone, but her vet bills are astronomic. She could’ve given up on him, but that was never an option... and continues to go to the end of the Earth to help him live as long as he can with this condition. ANYTHING would be so appreciated. This little guy means the world to Kait, her amazing fiancé John, Bridget, Meg, myself, and so many other people who have fallen in love with him over the years. 

Thank you so much♥️