For the Love of Higgins (Special Needs GSD)
Donation protected
Each one of us, at some point in our lives, needs some extra support. Whether the support be emotional, physical and/or financial. Yet, many worry about reaching out to ask for help (for a myriad of reasons). Recognizing that, family, friends and sometimes people we may never know jump in.
In this case, the help is for Higgins and his dedicated forever family. Team Higgins was started by a couple of good friends who have watched this love story take place. Please see the attached pictures for just a glimpse of that story!
Heather and Rich adopted Higgins in 2015 as a young puppy, with a diagnosis of congenital megaesophagus. They knew he would possibly have ongoing medical issues (and he certainly has). They have been there for Higgins every step of the way as promised (including bringing him to work everyday due to his feeding requirements)!
Beginning on July 11, 2020 (and continuing through his most recent admittance to Cornell University Hospital for Animals on August 9th), Higgins has had several life-threatening medical events. In just the last 30 days, through numerous stays at Cornell (and his primary veterinarians at Mendon Village Animal Hospital) for diagnostics, surgery and subsequent treatments, Higgins has been diagnosed with the following:
1. Gastroesophageal intussusception - surgically reduced and gastropexy performed at Cornell on 7/11/20 (Higgins' stomach was coming up through his esophagus - relatively rare and usually fatal without successful medical/surgical intervention);
2. Immune mediated polyarthritis (IMPA), concerning for erosive lesions on right tarsus - cytology (left elbow, carpus, and tarsus) 7/30/20 (which required his joints to be tapped to determine cause and treatment course);
3. Aspiration pneumonia (always an ongoing concern for dogs with megaesophagus) and because Clavamox is the suspected reason for the IMPA, treatment with Baytril only. Erosive IMPA is also rare, especially in large breed dogs;
4. Portal venous hypoperfusion - portal vein hypoplasia vs microvascular dysplasia vs other and
5. Complications due to the course of treatment for the auto-immune IMPA, i.e., prednisone (due to the various complications of Higgins special needs) - (8/9/2020).
Heather and Rich have had to come up with more than $10,000 (still climbing) in the last 30 days to save Higgins' life. Team Higgins can attest that Heather and Rich have not taken an away vacation for 5 years, nor do they live extravagantly. They are hard working people and Higgins (and their other dogs) are their immediate family circle and their truest joys!
We want to emphasis that each step of the way Higgins has rallied with the support of Heather and Rich and his numerous caring veterinarians. At no point has the thinking been "he can't turn the corner". Higgins certainly has had set backs, but he has lots of good life to get home to! If you have any extra funds to spare, Heather and Rich could certainly use some help recovering financially from this unexpected series of events.
Team Higgins thanks you in advance for any help, whether it be through a 1) contribution, 2) share or 3) continued positive thoughts for Higgins!
In this case, the help is for Higgins and his dedicated forever family. Team Higgins was started by a couple of good friends who have watched this love story take place. Please see the attached pictures for just a glimpse of that story!
Heather and Rich adopted Higgins in 2015 as a young puppy, with a diagnosis of congenital megaesophagus. They knew he would possibly have ongoing medical issues (and he certainly has). They have been there for Higgins every step of the way as promised (including bringing him to work everyday due to his feeding requirements)!
Beginning on July 11, 2020 (and continuing through his most recent admittance to Cornell University Hospital for Animals on August 9th), Higgins has had several life-threatening medical events. In just the last 30 days, through numerous stays at Cornell (and his primary veterinarians at Mendon Village Animal Hospital) for diagnostics, surgery and subsequent treatments, Higgins has been diagnosed with the following:
1. Gastroesophageal intussusception - surgically reduced and gastropexy performed at Cornell on 7/11/20 (Higgins' stomach was coming up through his esophagus - relatively rare and usually fatal without successful medical/surgical intervention);
2. Immune mediated polyarthritis (IMPA), concerning for erosive lesions on right tarsus - cytology (left elbow, carpus, and tarsus) 7/30/20 (which required his joints to be tapped to determine cause and treatment course);
3. Aspiration pneumonia (always an ongoing concern for dogs with megaesophagus) and because Clavamox is the suspected reason for the IMPA, treatment with Baytril only. Erosive IMPA is also rare, especially in large breed dogs;
4. Portal venous hypoperfusion - portal vein hypoplasia vs microvascular dysplasia vs other and
5. Complications due to the course of treatment for the auto-immune IMPA, i.e., prednisone (due to the various complications of Higgins special needs) - (8/9/2020).
Heather and Rich have had to come up with more than $10,000 (still climbing) in the last 30 days to save Higgins' life. Team Higgins can attest that Heather and Rich have not taken an away vacation for 5 years, nor do they live extravagantly. They are hard working people and Higgins (and their other dogs) are their immediate family circle and their truest joys!
We want to emphasis that each step of the way Higgins has rallied with the support of Heather and Rich and his numerous caring veterinarians. At no point has the thinking been "he can't turn the corner". Higgins certainly has had set backs, but he has lots of good life to get home to! If you have any extra funds to spare, Heather and Rich could certainly use some help recovering financially from this unexpected series of events.
Team Higgins thanks you in advance for any help, whether it be through a 1) contribution, 2) share or 3) continued positive thoughts for Higgins!
Co-organizers (2)
Darcy Drons
Organizer
Rochester, NY
Heather Allen
Beneficiary
Jill Steffen
Co-organizer