POST-OP UPDATE: Fig had surgery on 04/24/24 resulting in a large mass removal and mascectomy of the full mammary chain on her left side. We're waiting on pathology results. Fig's surgical bill is $4,947.53 for her pre-op appointment, medication and the procedure. Fig's vet is confident that the 2nd mass on Fig's right flank can be left alone (no surgery luckily at this time). If you aren't familiar with the House Hippo's story please read below! Our original fundraising goal was $3,000 based on the vet's preliminary estimate but now the goal is $4,950 based on the actual cost of care. And the best part (aside from Fig recovering so well) is that when I (Fig's mom) get reimbursed by Fig's pet insurance, I will donate 100% of the funds from her claim to A Way Home For Dogs (San Diego-based, all breed rescue specializing in the recovery and capture of lost dogs). PLEASE CONTINUE TO SHARE AND NETWORK FIG'S STORY. Your donation will get paid forward to Fig's rescue group after her insurance claim is processed so in essence, every $1 will help 2 dogs ~ Fig now and another rescue dog later!!

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Hi everyone, this is Fig's mom. The sweet velvet land seal is facing some expensive vet bills to have some suspicious lumps removed, and I promised Fig I would make her a deal to get her the care she needs AND help another dog. So here's how it works...

Fig has 2 masses on her chest. One is the size of a pencil eraser and the other is a group of small growths that feel like gravel under her skin. She's had an initial vet visit already and the course of action is to have surgery for all growths to be removed.

Many of you may remember that Fig was rescued by A Way Home For Dogs (a San-Diego grassroots nonprofit) after an injury left her stranded in a stranger's backyard for several days. Not only did Fig suffer from a broken hip and road rash, she was actively lactating from recently having puppies. So even after her spay and hip surgeries, she's now facing another surgery to remove mammary growths that may be a result of her being bred at such a young age.

Fig's estimate is upwards of $3,000 (I'm adding photos of the vet's estimate here). So how does this help 2 dogs you ask? Well here's how...

For full transparency, I admit that I do have pet insurance (every pet parent should). It helps cover emergencies and unforeseen expenses such as these, but I only get reimbursed for a portion of Fig's vet bill after her surgery is done and I file a claim. That means I need the $3,000 up front first. As a single mom working 50+ hours each week, I'm already working my tail off just to make ends meet and unfortunately I don't have $3,000 to cover Fig's bill. I'm not one to ask for handouts or favors, but I made Fig a promise to care for her in sickness and in health.

Fig needs your help. YOUR DONATION CAN HELP ANOTHER DOG TOO! When I get reimbursed by my pet insurance (I'll be posting updates along the way) I promise to pay it forward and donate 100% of the reimbursed amount back to Fig's original rescue, A WAY HOME FOR DOGS, so they can help another dog in need. So in a way I'm not really asking for a handout, but more of a loan. The type of loan that gets paid forward to a 501c3 nonprofit organization. So your generous donation will benefit Fig now AND help another rescue dog in the very near future!