Two years ago our family adopted Dexter. He was a rescue and he is so very loved by our family.

We had no way of knowing that Dexter didn't hit the genetic lottery. We started noticing some urinary issues and it became obvious that something was also wrong with both of his back legs. He's only 2 - so to have such massive problems so young came as a surprise - and the timing of all this couldn't have been worse.

Our family struggled to figure out what was best for Dexter - we wanted him to get the help he needed but this amount of vetting came with what seemed like an unachievable fundraising goal.

A local rescue group happens to be headquartered around the corner from our house and they offered to help us organize fundraising and helped us navigate a very confusing diagnostic path. They have already raised $4,000 for Dexter and we're asking for your help tackling the remaining balance.

So far Dexter's bills have totaled $559.47 at VCA Woodland Animal Hospital for diagnostics, $153 and an additional $610.50 for surgery consults and an ultrasound at Blue Pearl Animal Hospital and the surgery estimate ranges from $7,009.90 to $8,375.50. He needs bladder stones removed and a surgery called a double TPLO to repair his knees. All in getting Dexter the help he needs is going to total somewhere about $9,000.

With a new baby and some other stuff going on - we need help - it's not easy to ask for help but as the rescue group put it "most people just don't have $9K lying around for emergency medical expenses for their dog". We painfully considered surrendering Dexter so he could get the help he needed under a rescue - but instead the rescue said "how about we help you fundraise so you can keep the dog you love".

What seemed like an unachievable goal of $9K suddenly became $5K after the rescue pledged $4K to help. The rescue is continuing to raise money and will be able to contribute some additional funding also. It's been overwhelming to watch total strangers returning pop cans and donating to help a dog and a family they don't even know. Now we're asking our family and friends to help us raise some or all of the remaining balance.

If you are able to donate money, awesome, we greatly appreciate it. Donations can be made here via this gofundme or directly to Mosh Pit Rescue.

PayPal: moshpitrescue at gmail dot com (gofundme will not allow you to post an email)

Venmo: @moshpitrescue

CashApp: @moshpitrescue

Check: Mosh Pit Rescue

Their text only cell number is [phone redacted] if you have any questions.

We are also collecting returnable pop cans to help with Dexter's bills. Pop cans can be dropped off to us or at 1731 Woodworth St. down the road from us in Plainfield Township by Meijer.

Surgery is being scheduled for Mid August. We will be posting updates! We very much appreciate everything and are snuggling Dexter extra hard while we wait for surgery. Thank you again for any help.

~ The Durham Family