Bernie's Dental Surgery Fundraiser

Hi, Friends...

In the past, you all have been there for me during challenging times, such as my legal battle with my next door neighbors to help me save my pet-sitting business, and then this past March when I asked for your help in supporting my sweet Chiweenie, Bernie, for America's Favorite Pet. You all stepped up in ways that I could never imagine. Bernie didn't win America's Favorite Pet, which means he didn't win the grand prize, which was $10,000 and appearing on the cover of Modern Dog.

While he is MY favorite pet, to me he is priceless.

Bernie is the reason I'm asking for your help, once again.

For 18 years, I ran a successful advertising agency and during that time, I was the one who donated and gave money generously to those in need. I absolutely cannot stand being on the other side of the spectrum and having to ask for help, however, everything I have tried has not worked out to my expectations...the sales job I started last year, in which I discovered the ads weren't running as promised, non-profit positions I have applied for in the last two years (turns out over 30 years experience in advertising and marketing translates to "you're old"), and most recently, having spent the last two months cleaning out my parents' house for a potential tenant, driving back and forth to Jefferson City every weekend, spending money on painting and carpet cleaning, only for her to back out at the last minute.

Nothing seems to be working in my favor, no matter how hard I work or how hard I try.

My pet-sitting business is good, but not sustainable.

Back to Bernie...

The reason I was trying to win the grand prize for America's Favorite Pet is that Bernie desperately needs dental surgery. He is 11 years old with decaying gums which as led to some of his teeth needing extraction. I can tell he is in discomfort, not yet pain, but constantly clawing at the side of his mouth and having difficulty chewing his food, regardless of how much I soften it for him. He eats moist food, too, but still, there is discomfort.

My regular vet estimated a cost of anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000. I then took Bernie to Pet Resource Center of Kansas City, formerly Spay/Neuter of KC, for an evaluation. Being that they are a non-profit veterinary organization and offer low-cost vet services, their estimate was around $850, which is MUCH more reasonable. However, they need a deposit of $500. Right now, even $500 is difficult for me to pay all at once, considering my budget is stretched thin after paying my mortgage, my utilities, gas, and groceries, not to mention my pet food and medication, which is why I'm adding a little extra for the pain medication that Bernie will be prescribed after his surgery.

All I care about right now, all I can think about, is taking care of Bernie and making sure he is not in any discomfort. I'm afraid if I wait too long, his situation will turn from discomfort into pain and possibly infection.

I am doing everything I can...not running my air conditioner, cooking for myself, eating a lot of eggs and tuna, selling numerous items on Marketplace, and even taking on cleaning jobs.

I was once successful. Trust me...this can happen to anyone.

Again, this is difficult for me to ask for your help, but it's for Bernie. Since my dad passed, Bernie is my very best friend on this earth. I love him more than anything and anyone.

So, once again, I am asking for your help to help Bernie.

My gratitude to you all is unconditional and sincere.

Humbly,

Susanne, a.k.a Susie Mac