#Hearts4Banjo

Banjo is a happy, handsome, loving, lab pup. At just under 1.5 years old, he loves giving kisses, eating ice cubes, carrying around his stuffed teddy bear, swimming, and getting tickled. Banjo loves kids and other animals (dogs and cats), and meets everyone he comes across with affection and enthusiasm.

Banjo has the biggest heart!

Sadly, Banjo was diagnosed with a heart condition called tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD) and a high grade heart murmur, making it difficult for his heart and body to regulate blood flow. Until recently, Banjo's condition has been managed with twice daily medication, but in the last few weeks, despite all the love in his heart, Banjo has begun showing the early warning signs of heart failure. On June 29, 2020, after upping his doses one more time, the cardiologist he's been seeing has advised that surgery may be his only option from here. Surgical options for TVD in dogs are tricuspid valve replacement or valve repair. 

Now, heart surgery is Banjo's best chance at a long and happy life. 

We are lucky to live not far from Colorado State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where Dr. Chris Orton, a veterinary heart surgeon, specializes in surgery for Banjo's exact condition. Colorado State University (CSU) is one of just a few clinics in the world where vets perform open-heart surgery on dogs, a procedure that costs upwards of $17,000. Dogs from all over the country come to the CSU clinic, and we are fortunate that we're only about an hour and a half away.

There is hope!

I was encouraged to learn that dogs do better with heart surgery than humans, and dogs typically recover within a week of the procedure. Dr. Orton is one of the top TDV veterinary surgeons in the world. (Some 15 years ago, he even mended the heart of Lance Armstrong and Sheryl Crow's doggo with the same condition as Banjo! Though I'm a pretty private person, just to afford the care Banjo deserves, I wish I were famous too.)

On July 16, 2020, Banjo will see Dr. Orton for a surgical evaluation and I'll learn more about what we're up against with costs, surgery, and care. But before any surgery, in addition to the costs of his heart medications (a little over $150/month), with heart tests, screenings, and evaluations, we're in for at least $1,000.

Help fund Banjo's care and surgery

After additional medication, screenings, and (fingers crossed) with a successful surgery, money raised for Banjo will go to Colorado State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital, so that learnings from Banjo's case can help other animals and possibly even humans.

I knew Banjo was a heart-breaker when he came into my life (just look at that face). As with most pets though, I expected my heart would be the one to eventually break — years from now — not his, and especially not at such at young age. Your support for Banjo's medical needs will not only help to prevent Banjo's heart from breaking, but mine too. 

I also know funding a surgery like this is little insane, but even a small donation can help cover the costs of his care. Sharing this page is also an amazing way help Banjo. Your support will change my life and his. Thank you for your help and for raising your #Hearts4Banjo!

(Baby Banjo)

(A little goofy teenaged pup, graduating from his puppy training course )

(This dog loves being in a tent!)

#Hearts4Banjo