Remi is my daughter Kali's 18-month-old White Labrador. Since the day he arrived, he has brought joy, laughter, and endless energy into her life and our family.
Last week, our lives changed dramatically when he developed a life-threatening infection that required immediate surgery and hospitalization. Kali thought she might lose him, but finally after three strenuous days and nights, he returned home for recover and rehab.
This emergency arrived at an especially difficult time. Kali is a breast cancer survivor who has faced significant health and financial challenges over the past several years. The unexpected cost of Remi's emergency care created an unexpected financial burden when resources were already stretched thin.
What happened?
Remi had a small bulge on his side that we suspected was a fibrous mass of some sort for which he had a scheduled vet appointment. But last Tuesday morning, it ruptured, broke through the skin, started bleeding, and we rushed him to the emergency Vet.
Kali took him to nearby VEG (Veterinary Emergency Group in Pleasant Hill, CA). They suspected a Foxtail, and had to drain his lungs with a very deep incision, but an infection had started and after their procedure, they suggested we move to a full facility vet for a CAT-scan.
Kali then visited our regular vet, VCA Encina Veterinary Care in Walnut Creek, to get that done. They ran the CAT-scan, uncovered a spreading infection in his lung and scheduled immediate surgery, which kept him in the hospital for three days and two nights. He was on a breathing machine, had multiple IVs and drugs throughout his system.
Unfortunately, the surgeon couldn't complete the removal of all the infected tissue because he was having difficulty breathing, laying on his right side while they operated on his left. The surgeon decided to close him up and hope that the IV drugs, which included a broad-spectrum of antibiotics, would get rid of the rest.
He came home at the end of that week and is now recovering from a 3-day ordeal and multiple surgeries and procedures.
The Foxtail Connection
Until now, we had no idea how dangerous foxtails can be. If you search for "dogs and foxtails," you'll quickly encounter words like "deadly" and "life-threatening."
Foxtail grass, also known as foxtail weed, thrives in warm weather. Their seeds are barbed, easily detach from the plant and can embed themselves into a dog's skin, paws, ears, nose and even internal organs. Due to their arrow-like shape, they move in only one direction – deeper into the body – causing pain, infection and serious health risks. They can be so small they are often never found even during surgery, but the consensus is that is what created this emergency for Remi.
If you have dogs, we hope Remi's experience serves as a reminder to watch for foxtails and other hidden dangers. Until this happened, we had no idea how serious foxtails could be.
To date, veterinary expenses total more than $22,000, including $4,390 from VEG and $17,778 from VCA. The bills below reflect only a portion of the costs already incurred and do not include future follow-up care, medications, dressing changes, and additional procedures.
I've included an image to illustrate some of these costs.
Remi continues to need dressing changes, medications, follow-up appointments, and additional procedures, but we are grateful to have him recovering with the people who love him most. Every day we see a little more of his playful personality return.
Why are we asking for your help?
Today, Remi is finally back home where he belongs. For three days, we weren't sure if he would make it home at all.
Every day we see a little more of the happy, energetic dog we know and love. You can see from the pictures how much she loves Remi and her yorkie, Rooster.
While we are incredibly grateful for Remi's progress, he still faces ongoing medical care, follow-up appointments, medications, and additional procedures.
This emergency arrived at an especially difficult time. Kali is a breast cancer survivor who has faced significant health and financial challenges over the past 4+ years. Despite radiation, chemotherapy, and multiple surgeries, she has continued moving forward with remarkable determination. Like many dog lovers, her pets are family, and Remington has been a constant source of comfort, companionship, and joy throughout her journey.
In just three days, veterinary expenses exceeded $22,000, and ongoing treatment costs continue to accumulate. We are asking for help to offset the extraordinary costs of Remington's emergency care and recovery.
Any funds raised will first be used to pay for Remi's medical care, medications, follow-up appointments, and recovery needs. If donations exceed those costs, remaining funds will be used to create a safe foxtail-free area where Remi and Rooster can roam and play without facing the same risks in the future. Beyond that, any remaining funds will be used to establish a small fund to assist other dogs and families facing unexpected veterinary emergencies.
Whether you choose to donate, share this fundraiser, or simply keep Remi in your thoughts and prayers, we are deeply grateful for your support.