Goofy Gary and His Medical Journey

Gary was unlikely to be adopted because he was the smallest of the litter and born partially blind. Along with 3 out of 4 retinal detachments, his eye lids were also born flipped inward (entropion) causing it to feel like sandpaper on his eyes everytime he blinked. Soon after, it was also discovered Gary was born with only partially functioning kidneys (renal dysplasia) which lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Gary’s body can’t process or eliminate complex ingredients or remove waste from his blood/urine, so he needs a special diet & medications to support his bright energetic spirit. Even though Gary has a poor prognosis with his eyes and kidneys, at one year and seven months old, he’s bouncy and active everyday, continuing to prove he’s strong and loves being alive.

Gary needed several medical miracles to make it this far, and some days have been harder than others. Thankfully, Gary did find a dedicated forever family willing to take him in, and ensure he gets the attention & specialized care he needs to thrive. Over the past year Gary has adapted to having only partial vision, but his damaged eyelids caused constant pain, irritation, and could create corneal ulcers or other complex medical issues if unmonitored. Although Gary’s kidneys are very delicate and cannot recover from surgery like a normal dog, eye surgery was recommended, but only after he was strong enough and if it was absolutely necessary.

In May 2025, because of his consistent flare ups requiring constant vet visits and medicated eyedrops, his medical team decided it was time to go ahead with the surgery, while taking extreme precautions for his kidneys during the procedure.

The good news is Gary’s operation was a success! As of June 2025, his eyes are mostly healed, and he is now able to make eye contact with people near him!

He did so well during surgery because of the excellent care his vets provided at Zippi Vet (in ATX!). Their efforts included extra monitoring of his kidneys and constant fluids administered during the procedure. To prevent putting his kidneys through additional difficult surgeries, the vets opted to neuter him during his eye procedure. While healing and being his bouncy self, his neuter incision became infected requiring antibiotics, and one week later Gary’s troubles were compounded by a severe ear infection, and even more antibiotics which stressed his kidneys greatly.

Just when it seemed everything would go back to normal, in June 2025 (one month after eye surgery), Gary had a dangerous episode of kidney failure. His test scores jumped from an already high 5.9 (stage four of his disease) to a level 10, resulting in emergency in-patient veterinary treatment. We believe this was due to all of the medications & antibiotics required before and after surgery which were just too much for his sweet little kidneys to handle.

Thankfully, Gary continued to show signs of healing in the ER, and has returned back home on an IV fluid service with special kidney-supportive medications & supplements. Luckily, he is already regaining his strength - wiggling with so much joy, that the vet asked if he’s ever calm and still!

Goofy Gary can’t be held back from his love of life, and so we’re launching this campaign, to go forward with his recovery plan.

Give Gary A Buck

Help us cover Gary’s kidney failure emergency costs and recent entropion surgery by giving Gary a buck for good luck.

A fiver, ten spot, or any amount you are able to donate will first go towards paying for his 2025 eye surgery, post-surgery recovery care, and his kidney failure emergency care. Next, donations will be used to prevent future infections by bringing his kidney levels down to safe levels using medications, medical treatments, and a strength building diet.

All donors, regardless of contribution, will be sent a special digital thank you, and updates if you wish, on Gary's condition as he navigates this phase of his recovery and treatment.

Thank you for giving to Gary.

STRETCH GOAL

If we can reach our initial goal, Gary’s stretch goal is to cover continued medical care as his kidneys will need ongoing support while he heals.

If you’re able to make a special larger donation, we can take the time to create for you a personalized video, reel, or audio clip thanking you for your donation to Gary’s care and quality of life.

$75 dollars

Record for you a motivational 15 to 40 second audio clip from Gary’s perspective on why it is important to keep fighting for your future, especially when things get tough - along with 2 photos of him overcoming tough battles, to motivate you in difficult times, or on the topic of your choice. Gary gets it! Some days can be a real uphill battle!

$125 dollars

Write you an original personalized short song or poem about some of Gary’s hilarious adventures, or on the topic of your choosing - along with 3 current videos and photos of Gary’s recovery journey featuring your name or nickname.

$250 dollars

Video and edit for you of an original and personalized clip of Gary’s hilarious adventures, or about the motivational topic of your choosing, along with 2 freshly filmed playtime videos and photos of Gary’s recovery journey featuring your name or nickname thanking you for your donation.

$400

Signed picture and autograph of actress / vocalist / & professional choreographer Sarah J Bartholomew (Gary’s human mom).

Thank you again for giving to Gary.