Bella Needs Surgery, Owner Needs Help

Well, my snuggle-butt rascal baby Bella-Boo needs surgery.

Iseabail is 5 years old; I adopted her when she was nearly 1 year old.

This chocolate lab is a LAB. I mean a “ball is life,” loving, loyal, protector, goof ball of a lab. She LOVES playing and being outdoors, as long as she is with one of her humans. Whether it is sunny skies or rain or a blizzard, she wants to PLAY.

My sweet Bella loves life, and she loves to love life alongside me. She is full of spunk and adoring energy alike. She will rarely find a spot to nap if there is not some part of her touching me.

Some of her nicknames include Miss Bella, Bella-Boo, BeeBoo, Smushface, Mopeface, The Mopiest Mope, Silly Baby, Twisty Noodle, Bed Hog, and The Beebiest Boo, to name a few.

She is my mirror. My little chaos mirror.

Last month, I took her to the vet with some concerns… and unfortunately, it looks like I was right.

Bella has two masses the vet is very concerned about. The one on her side was biopsied right there in the room, and they found mast cells. Granted, a few mast cells can be present with inflammation, but there were a LOT of mast cells… there is a real possibility it could be malignant, and the lump has since gotten bigger. Without an immediate surgery, I can only hope it will not spread until I can afford to get it removed.

The other area is around one of her nipples. The skin is rigid and textured and the vet didn’t even want to biopsy that (one, because it’s a tender area, and two, because she was immediately confident in her level of concern).

If we get both removed at the same time, it will cost less overall, and put Bella through only one big stressful event rather than two. The samples will then be sent off to a lab to ensure they removed everything they need to, as well as test them to learn more about what we’re dealing with.

The high estimate was over $2700 including both removals and labs. This does not include any medications or bandages or aftercare Bella may need. With the credit card fees GoFundMe will take, having a little $250 cushion for additional items felt appropriate.

I’m sure there will be people who read this and think unpleasant things to themselves, or who might make suggestions I’ve already tried.

”Why did you get a dog if you can’t afford basic care?”

”Have you tried pet insurance?”

”You should open a Care Credit Card, most vets accept them.”

First, while I do not feel the need to explain my circumstances, I will be open enough to let you know that I was still able to work some when I decided to adopt Bella. For a couple of years I was able to afford her vet visits and food and toys… unfortunately, I am chronically ill and unable to work any longer. Getting assistance to survive is a long and grueling process and I will not be made to think I should ever give up my baby because of it. Bella is now my service animal, and regularly notifies me of changing levels in my body. She helps me immensely, and I, her.

Second, pet insurance will not cover a thing now that this has been documented. A harsh reality, but the reality nonetheless.

Third, Care Credit is not an option for us. I wish it was. But it isn’t.

I know some of these comments and suggestions come from a genuine place, but please, I am *struggling* to even ask for help… please, please don’t make me feel even smaller by offering empty advice, and things I’ve very likely looked into already. Instead, please consider sharing my fundraiser if you are not in a place to support my cause financially. (Trust me, I really do get it.)

I do not know what Bella’s recovery will look like. I can barely even think about setting up the appointment without falling apart. I hope that she can be whole again after this, and that, in time, she can forgive me.

Thank you to everyone in advance for anything you can do or send to help us out. I will never be able to properly express my gratitude, but I will try. Maybe with a few puppy kisses