Fundraiser for Reagan's Back Surgery
Donation protected
Had you told me a week ago that I would be making a GoFundMe for a dog, I would have laughed at you. Who makes a GoFundMe for their dog? There are bigger issues in this world, more things money should be going towards. A DOG? But if you have a pet, you know this pain we feel. The nights we’ve cried and the prayers we’ve prayed, and the decisions we’ve been faced with. If you have a pet, you know you will do anything for them. No matter what it costs.
Weeks ago, we noticed that our 4-year old French Bulldog, Reagan, was limping a bit, and would occasionally squeal in pain. A week ago, Saturday, he was woken abruptly, and shrieked in pain and instantly showed signs of inability to move. By Sunday night, he was having such bad muscle spasms in the upper half of his body and shortness of breath that we rushed him to the ER. The took his vitals and denied us based on availability and lack of “life or death” situation. We took him the vet immediately the next morning, and she informed us that he had a potential slipped disk, but they were going to put him on some medicine, kennel rest him for 4-6 weeks, and recheck him in a week. She also said that in our care, the “slightest wrong move could paralyze him”. After a long week of pain for Reagan, he had his update with the vet, and she recommended that we go immediately to a vet specialist in Neurology. The pain on Reagan’s nerve had grown and was moving down his spinal column to his hind legs. Today, Reagan has received an MRI, an evaluation from the Neurologist and shortly will go through surgery to fix the disc in his neck. Today is a long road to recovery for him but hopefully more pain free days ahead for our little buddy.
Most people are unaware that with many veterinarian services, you are denied care until you can pay the “full estimate” or amount they give you. There are very few payment plan options, most that break the bank further with astronomical interest charges and a few months to actually pay back. Human healthcare and animal healthcare is vastly different, and is why so many people have to either choose to put their friend down or have them suffer through the pain of what they are experiencing. There is no good option. Vets will deny you of service if you cannot pay immediately or will prolong the services until the money is rendered. We say this to inform, not to criticize. We are thankful for our vets, and appreciate all they do, and understand this is not a choice for them, but it is an important part of the narrative in our story.
Thankfully, we were able to put the $10,500 down immediately on Monday night. We are fortunate to be able to pay this money now, but also nervous about our future and the financial hardships this will cause. This doesn’t include all the previous costs for the trip to the ER, vet visits, medications, x-rays, staying home from work because he needed around the clock care. Jessica and I take full responsibility for Reagan, and our finances. But $10,500+ is a giant punch to the gut to anyone’s finances. If you have the means- just $5 dollars, we would be so appreciative. We are blessed to have a village of friends and family that support us in many ways, and we are grateful to every one of you.
With Love,
Reagan, Tyler, Jessica & Cooper
Weeks ago, we noticed that our 4-year old French Bulldog, Reagan, was limping a bit, and would occasionally squeal in pain. A week ago, Saturday, he was woken abruptly, and shrieked in pain and instantly showed signs of inability to move. By Sunday night, he was having such bad muscle spasms in the upper half of his body and shortness of breath that we rushed him to the ER. The took his vitals and denied us based on availability and lack of “life or death” situation. We took him the vet immediately the next morning, and she informed us that he had a potential slipped disk, but they were going to put him on some medicine, kennel rest him for 4-6 weeks, and recheck him in a week. She also said that in our care, the “slightest wrong move could paralyze him”. After a long week of pain for Reagan, he had his update with the vet, and she recommended that we go immediately to a vet specialist in Neurology. The pain on Reagan’s nerve had grown and was moving down his spinal column to his hind legs. Today, Reagan has received an MRI, an evaluation from the Neurologist and shortly will go through surgery to fix the disc in his neck. Today is a long road to recovery for him but hopefully more pain free days ahead for our little buddy.
Most people are unaware that with many veterinarian services, you are denied care until you can pay the “full estimate” or amount they give you. There are very few payment plan options, most that break the bank further with astronomical interest charges and a few months to actually pay back. Human healthcare and animal healthcare is vastly different, and is why so many people have to either choose to put their friend down or have them suffer through the pain of what they are experiencing. There is no good option. Vets will deny you of service if you cannot pay immediately or will prolong the services until the money is rendered. We say this to inform, not to criticize. We are thankful for our vets, and appreciate all they do, and understand this is not a choice for them, but it is an important part of the narrative in our story.
Thankfully, we were able to put the $10,500 down immediately on Monday night. We are fortunate to be able to pay this money now, but also nervous about our future and the financial hardships this will cause. This doesn’t include all the previous costs for the trip to the ER, vet visits, medications, x-rays, staying home from work because he needed around the clock care. Jessica and I take full responsibility for Reagan, and our finances. But $10,500+ is a giant punch to the gut to anyone’s finances. If you have the means- just $5 dollars, we would be so appreciative. We are blessed to have a village of friends and family that support us in many ways, and we are grateful to every one of you.
With Love,
Reagan, Tyler, Jessica & Cooper
Organizer and beneficiary
Jessica Dombeck
Organizer
Vancouver, WA
Tyler Bailey
Beneficiary