Help Bean Get Back on His Paws

If you’ve ever visited Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) in Encinitas, CA, chances are you’ve been greeted by Bean — the energetic pup holding court at the front desk — and his mom, Kayla. Bean is more than a dog; he’s part of our team, working alongside Kayla, one of our dedicated Client Care Specialists, to welcome clients and comfort their pets.

Kayla met Bean in July 2024 while volunteering at the VEG booth during the Dog Days of Summer Festival. After searching for the right dog for over three years, it was love at first sight. She adopted Bean that day from Second Chance Rescue, and he’s been her shadow — and our unofficial emotional support dog — ever since.

Kayla has dedicated her life to caring for animals and supporting pet parents through some of their hardest days. It takes a strong heart to witness pain and loss daily — but now, heartbreak has hit home. Kayla and Bean need our help.

Bean has been diagnosed with Megaesophagus, a condition where the esophagus (the tube connecting the throat to the stomach) becomes enlarged and loses the ability to move food properly. This not only makes eating difficult, but also puts Bean at high risk for aspiration pneumonia, a serious complication when food or liquid enters the lungs instead of the stomach.

Unfortunately, Bean has already developed pneumonia, cannot keep food down, and now has a newly discovered heart murmur. His condition is still being investigated, but stabilizing him has been the top priority.

Bean is currently hospitalized at VEG and is under the care of an Internal Medicine Specialist and a Cardiologist. Watching him go from his usual bouncy, tail-wagging self to a weakened state has been heartbreaking for all of us. He’s not just Kayla’s dog — he’s family to the entire VEG Encinitas team.

Now it’s our turn to support Kayla and Bean like they’ve supported so many others. All funds raised will go directly toward Bean’s medical care, including hospitalization, diagnostics, medications, and ongoing treatment.

Any amount helps. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this campaign means the world.

Thank you for helping Bean fight his way back to health. ❤️