Emergency Vet Fund For Zeus

Hi Everyone,

I can't express enough how much your support means to Zeus and me right now. Your presence here and willingness to read our story touches my heart deeply.

Witnessing Zeus in pain over the past few days has been heart-wrenching. There's a common saying that goes, "If only our dogs could speak, we'd understand their needs." Yet, not being able to alleviate his suffering has left me feeling utterly helpless.

It all began on Sunday night when Zeus started displaying signs of illness—vomiting, lethargy, and not his usual tippy-tappy self. When he refused breakfast on Monday and continued vomiting throughout the day, I grew increasingly concerned. Initially, I suspected a stomach bug and tried feeding him boiled chicken and rice soaked in broth thinking he’d be more enticed by that than his regular kibble, but he wouldn't eat. His continued refusal to eat signaled a major issue. I kept a close eye on him, showered him with affection, but he still hasn't eaten anything since then—it's now Thursday.

On Tuesday, I rushed him to the emergency room as he remained lethargic and uninterested in food. However, the cost of treatment without pet insurance was outrageous, and I couldn't afford it. This left me feeling defeated and inadequate as his caregiver. While I know deep down that it's not a reflection of my love for him, the inability to provide necessary care for a beloved companion is distressing.

As the day progressed and Zeus continued to decline, I knew I had to seek help regardless of the expense. I found another emergency clinic with "more affordable" rates near my home and enrolled in pet insurance (a note to all pet parents: consider getting it before the fact). Unfortunately, the insurance wouldn't cover Zeus's condition as it occurred before the policy's activation.

Around midnight on Wednesday, I rushed him back to the ER, where they conducted necessary tests and observed severe dehydration due to his refusal to eat and continuous vomiting. Fortunately, my mom graciously lent me a credit card to cover the initial $2,000 for his care. X-rays revealed a foreign object inside him, possibly larger than a quarter, causing his distended belly. Additionally, there were concerns about his gallbladder, potentially a stone or an issue within his GI tract, requiring surgery to diagnose accurately.

For Zeus’ sake, the decision for surgery was clear to me. He’s not just a pet; he’s is my best friend, my partner in crime, and has been with me for every phase of my adult life. He’s never failed to put a smile on my face, never failed to be a source of comfort, and has never failed to remind me that I’m not alone — I won’t fail him now.

That’s why I am here, now, humbly asking for help.

The estimated cost of surgery stands at $4,296, with an additional $1,200 for potential gallbladder removal—totaling $5,725, on top of the $2,000 borrowed from my mom. Asking for assistance isn't easy, but for Zeus, I'll set aside any pride or hesitation. If you’ve met him, you know that he spreads joy wherever he goes — a little bundle of light, if you will. He has years of life ahead, and he will continue to spread that happiness, no matter the cost.

Your contribution, whether financial or by sharing this GoFundMe, would mean everything to us. I truly cannot express enough how appreciative I am for your kindness and support, in any form.

With all the gratitude I can convey over the internet, we thank you with all of our heart.

XO,

Mikaela & Zeus (“Zeus Goose”)