Hi, my name is Kim, and Billie is my 4-year-old pug mix companion. She is a mix of 50% pug, 25% Boston terrier, and 25% French bulldog. Her breathing has always been more audible than the average dog (due to her very short nose and squished face) but she has had more issues with panting/gasping for air over the last year.

I have looked into what is involved with surgery to correct her breathing issues with my vet. It was recommended that I take her to the Ontario Veterinary College Health Sciences Centre in Guelph to correct brachycephaly (elongated soft palate and malformed nostrils). This laser surgery is safer for these types of dogs due to the ease of recovery (versus traditional, non-laser surgery).

This surgery is - of course - very expensive. I have pet insurance but it does not cover pre-existing conditions (and this would fall into that category). I received an estimate for the surgery in September of 2021, and at that time, the cost would be $4,000-5,000. The consultation (at that time) was $180 plus tax. Any extra donations that are not required for this procedure will be given to The London Ontario Pet Food Bank.

Billie is more than a dog to me - she really is my partner! My son has grown up and no longer lives with me, and I am also single. Billie is with me all day

because I work remotely from home. I worry about her breathing all of the time because I find that she can't walk as far and she gets anxious when she can't get enough air, which then makes her breathing worse. I had a pug previously and I never found her to have the level of breathing difficulties that Billie suffers from.

Everyone who meets Billie loves her. She eagerly greets both humans and dogs during our short walks. She visibly pouts when a person or dog walks by without saying hello!

Thank you so much for reading my story. Every bit helps, and positive thoughts are appreciated!

Thank you,

Kim and Billie

I've included a video of Billie when she's breathing heavily for reference. :-(