Harley's Emergency Dental Surgery

My name is Gemma, and I am Harley's mum.

Harley is my beautiful Maltese Shih Tzu dog who, despite his youthful looks, is 13yrs young. I rescued Harley from the Lost Dogs Home in Melbourne when he was 7yrs old. It was the best day of my life becoming a dog mum for the first time back in 2019.

I need some help from you as I've just been told he needs extensive dental surgery next week at a cost that simply makes my eyes water and tummy turn ($$$) but first let me tell you more about my little Harley.

Everyone gushes about their dog but Harley is different. A distinguished gentlemen who I've only ever heard bark or howl a handful of times in his life. I always think he would definitely have a posh English accent if he could talk.

We recently discovered his, one and only, favourite game. When he has his dental treat (as dessert, obvs!) he will not eat it until you "pretend" to come and steal it from him. Even if you ignore him, he will then come and place the treat in front of you and will give you mock "outrage" if you try to steal it... then runs off gets himself comfy and devours it on his own! Such a little character, bags of sweet personality, and very on trend as I would say "demure" is what he is.

Harley has had trouble with his teeth since before I got him, he had already had some removed when he was little. Every year I take him to get his teeth cleaned, as well as looking after them at home, and he has regularly lost one or 2 in the process. One year he needed 9 teeth out! But like a little trooper he took it all in his stride.

This time is a little different as I've just been told that he needs 13 teeth, YES - THIRTEEN TEETH - out in one go and he must have it done asap. They have said he is in a lot of pain, even though his stoic, chilled out demeanour doesn't give away a thing.

He will have only 3 teeth left overall, this time next week :( but still a full life filled with lots of love and, albeit, a soft food diet!

I am a full time student, 2 years into a 4yr double degree in Arts/Health Sciences, majoring in Psychology and Wellbeing/Sports Performance, and I earn just enough right now to keep things ticking over.

I simply do not know how I will be able to gather the total of AUD$3500 for his surgery next week, without asking for some help.

So here I am... asking for help. Something I don't love to do but we are desperate.

If you would like any more information on Harley, his vet bills or anything else to help shed light on our situation, more than happy to supply.

Any amount large or small would truly help and we'd be so appreciative....

Much love, Harley and Gemma

xxxx