Aid Henry's Journey to Pain-Free Days

Hello – my name is Radek, and I am creating this GoFundMe for my rescue dog, Henry, a sweet and goofy four-year-old Dogue de Bordeaux and English bulldog mix.

I came across Henry on the PBC Animal Care & Control website (unfortunately a kill shelter) in December 2023. I knew immediately that this pup was for me. My heart knew. I visited him the very next day, and he truly reminded me of my two beloved rescue pups I lost in 2023 - Cocoa and Jack. Henry was the embodiment of Cocoa’s chunky personality and Jack’s captivating stoicism.

After a heart-crushing 2023, losing Cocoa (Boerboel/Boxer mix) to a sudden heart event (ER vet said she most likely had a heart attack) – she was about five years old and died in my arms on the kitchen floor. That was Easter. Not fully recovered from that heartbreak, I lost Jack around Labor Day, my 12-year-old Boxer mix boy, to a cancer mass in his intestine. He had just completed his rehab for a torn CCL, and we were considering another round of aqua therapy and acupuncture (he really loved that) to continue to work on his mobility when his decline happened so rapidly.

My heart was shattered. Even though I had experienced pup loss before (I had a 12-year-old Boxer prior), the pain was intimately different and unimaginable each time. My heart also broke for my Bella, my remaining Boxer girl, having lost her pack we spent so much love building. I finally decided that even though I might not be 100%, and knowing Bella, my Warrior Princess, was grieving the loss of her companions as well, to start looking for a rescue pup.

This is how Henry found his way into my grieving heart. Henry became my best play buddy, my emotional anchor of love, knowing just the right moments when to calm Daddy down or bite his booty, my cuddle bug, and my best friend. My love of life.

Shortly after adoption, it became evident that Henry had a slight limp and an unusual gait. Upon receiving his limited medical records from the shelter, I found out that Henry might be dealing with a potential torn CCL (cranial cruciate ligament) in his hind leg. Follow-up vet visits ensued with a round of X-rays, and after consulting with an orthopedic surgeon, the final diagnosis was a displaced patella (kneecap) – it’s on the side of his knee instead of normally in front, which is causing him constant pain and making him compensate during walks with his hips, which can lead to hip dysplasia. Henry is just four years old and can only endure short walks due to the persistent pain and plays only in short bursts, laying down afterward panting in distress. Henry will have surgery on Monday, December 9th to fix the displaced patella and to give him the quality of life this young pup deserves.

I normally am not the type to ask for help, but this time around I need it. Unfortunately, last year my savings were depleted due to the emergency care of my two rescue pups, it is going to be difficult to recover financially without help. I vow to use the money to pay off Henry’s vet bills and to help him heal.

The deposit at the orthopedic surgeon was $5,300, and the overall surgery cost will be around $6,500 (this amount includes the initial consult visit and X-rays). I’d love to recover a portion of that by way of your generosity and love for animals. Henry is such a wonderful dog and deserves to live a long and pain-free life. I appreciate anything you can give, even if it’s just a small amount. Anything helps. Henry, Bella, and I will be eternally grateful.