Bear's Lifesaving Surgery Fund

My name is Ceili and I work as a veterinary assistant at Raleigh Community Animal Hospital. My friend and co-worker, Antoinette, is going through a tough time and could really use some help. Her companion of 10 years and best buddy, Bear, is in need of a costly lifesaving surgery.

Antoinette first found Bear at 9 months old through the Wake County Animal Shelter. He was suffering with heartworm disease and a really bad upper respiratory infection. Ant took him to be seen at Raleigh Community Animal Hospital, and from there, ended up getting a job as kennel technician. She has worked there ever since!

Bear is known as the best snuggler in the world. His absolute favorites are his stuffed toys (each of them affectionately called Squirrel), burying himself under blankets, and of course the occasional peanut butter or string cheese snacks. His mind is much bigger than his 10lb body- he is not afraid to tell anybody what he’s thinking! But despite his big britches, he’s also acted as a sort-of therapy dog for the ones he loves. If you are feeling down, he will sit with you and give you non-stop kisses until you feel better. His hilarious and gentle personality has captured the hearts of everyone he meets. According to Antoinette, he’s really just the best boy in the world.

Last week Bear was not feeling well; he was dealing with uncomfortable GI issues and generally not acting like himself. After some bloodwork and an abdominal ultrasound, he was diagnosed with a Gallbladder Mucocele. This is a condition where the ducts of the gallbladder become obstructed, which disrupts the flow of bile. This means that the gallbladder needs to be surgically removed as soon as possible.

Bear is in critical need of this surgery, which, thanks to our team at RCAH and the team at Points East Veterinary Specialty Hospital, has been scheduled for next week. However, that leaves Antoinette and her family to bear the burden of unexpected and extremely costly bills to manage the best care possible for their cherished pet. Though burden is not the right word because despite the cost, Antoinette would not think twice about spending her last dime for her loved one. That’s just the kind of person that she is! I think we can all empathize with their situation, and as someone who has seen her passion and dedication for all animals that enter the building of RCAH, I believe that Antoinette is more than deserving of some helping hands. For that reason, I am asking for help on their behalf. I know that it is the holidays, and that we are all struggling financially in one way or another. But I think that even just a few dollars can go a long way in situations like this! Please consider donating to this cause if you have even a little to spare.