Fundraiser for Rigby's Emergency Medical Bills

Hello! My name is Ash Slemming and I am fundraising for my fur baby Rigby’s emergency vet bills and treatment. Rigby has been and continues to be such an important support in my life as a little companion. I don’t ask for help often, but I could really use some support in helping cover some of the unexpected bills that came up this month to save little Rigby’s life.

On May 31st, Rigby was extremely lethargic and then suddenly collapsed and was having problems breathing. I took him to an emergency vet clinic right away to get him checked out. They told me he needed to be taken to the emergency room and be put on oxygen. The doctors at the emergency room found quite a lot of fluid had built up in his lungs, and his X-rays came back showing that he has what is called congestive heart failure. Heart failure is unfortunately not curable, however it IS thankfully treatable. The doctor put him on medications right away to get rid of the fluid in his lungs, and he had to be admitted for an overnight stay on oxygen – but then once he was stable after about a day, he was sent back home with me. He has to be on medication every day now, but Rigby is the BEST and he has been taking all his medication this past week and has been adjusting really well. He’s been feeling playful, cuddly, and happy, and he’s got his appetite back! He had a follow-up with the same doctor on June 8th, and he told me that the fluid seems to be gone from Rigby’s lungs (breathing is normal), and his blood pressure is good! The emergency vet hospital stay was lifesaving for Rigby, and his ongoing treatment is also essential to providing Rigby with a happy quality life.

With this fundraiser, I am trying to cover the hospital visit as well as two follow-up vet appointments. I’m committed to paying for his ongoing medication and hypo-allergenic food myself, which is quite a substantial amount each month, but something I feel I can manage with some budget adjustments if I can just get this large and unexpected vet bill covered. Any amount will be greatly appreciated – even just a dollar or the price of a coffee will help if multiple people can contribute <3

I’m hoping to reach $3400 (the first vet visit was $2800 because of the hospital admittance and oxygen/tests/meds, the second was $360, and his third follow-up in a month is going to be about $200). This fundraiser will provide some financial relief as I continue to support Rigby in his ongoing treatment.

Lastly, everyone who donates will be entered into a draw to win one of my custom crewnecks, a hand-embroidered keychain, a waterproof duck sticker, and a silkscreened print by yours truly! Love you all so much, thank you for any help you can send.

Love Ash and Rigby ❤︎