Benelli’s burn care

Meet Benelli — or “Big Ol’ Pup” as his humans affectionately call him. He’s a 1.5-year-old very good boy who is recovering from his brave escape of a burning building. Incredibly, he survived, but his recovery and treatment will be extensive.

Benelli was in a shop with his 18-year-old owner when a car-related explosion caused the building to be engulfed in flames. Thankfully, his young owner made it out quickly, but upon realizing that Benelli was no longer by his side, he began desperately calling for his dog. When a rolling door exploded from the building, Benelli crawled through the fire to his owner, alive but obviously injured.

Benelli was rushed to the nearest emergency vet and then to LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge (a 3-hour drive from his home), where he has been since 1/21/23. Benelli survived the critical first several days requiring oxygen therapy, IV fluids, antibiotics and pain medications. The severity of his burn wounds became more evident later that week. Benelli’s burns are extensive and cover his face, head, ears, chest, and front legs. Fortunately, he was wearing a hunting vest when the incident occurred, which likely saved his life. He has undergone multiple hyperbaric oxygen treatments and wound debridements. Given the extent of his wounds, he will need to remain hospitalized for daily wound care for another 1-3 weeks. Benelli’s doctors and nurses say that he is the best boy and happy despite everything that he’s going through.

Benelli has been instrumental in helping his family cope after a devastating and unexpected loss in the family in 2021. Their dedication to his recovery is remarkable, but comes with a significant financial commitment. The bill is currently over $10,000 and expected to be up to $15,000 or more by the end of his stay. Benelli’s owner is working nearly full-time during his senior year of high school because he wants to help his parents with the vet bill.

While Benelli’s family would never directly ask for help or assistance, we have seen firsthand the daily stress and burden they are shouldering as he recovers. If you’re able to contribute monetarily, please know that all donations from this campaign will go directly to vet bills. Thank you for being a part of Big Ol’ Pup’s healing and recovery.

Financial update 2/7/23: Benelli’s bill has surpassed $13,000 and he will require a few more weeks of hospitalization per the doctor. For that reason, we have increased our goal amount to $25,000 to hopefully cover the costs for the rest of his hospitalization and treatment. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far!!