Help Bella Boo Overcome Glaucoma & Become Bella Blackbeard

The decision to ask for help is not something many people feel comfortable about, nor was I able to take lightly. As soon as I heard the word “pirate” leave the lips of the Animal Ophthalmologist, the thought crossed my mind, but denial and hope are a deadly mix.

Before I tell you why, I’d like to tell you a little bit about the “who.” Four years ago, at the beginning of March 2021, I dreamed of a dog. I couldn’t explain it, but this dog was looking for me and would be mine. Two weeks later, a phone call shattered me to pieces; Bella was an orphan and the world lost one of the best and brightest that day. Although technically my cousin, it was as if she knew I was her new caregiver/mom and immediately the Adventures of Bella Boo from Malibu(or Tennessee…same thing), began.

Two weeks later, we celebrated her 9th birthday. Before nine years of life, this sweet girl had outlived both her parents. She was rescued as a puppy and then spoiled rotten by my aunt and uncle. Bella was known around town and a true celebrity across state lines, loved by the community created by my uncles’ ability to be better than the last. There’s no doubt in my mind that Bella would’ve been cared for; but I’m so honored to be the one who has spent the last 4 years loving her.

Now thirteen, Bella has lost another parent (my grandma), and she’s still getting used to her third home. It’s never easy, and Bella didn’t receive the golden ticket in this life. Allergies were rampant in Tennessee, mellowed out in South Carolina, and came back full force in Florida. Trying to get ahead of the curve this year, we were adamant about the allergy shots/pills/wipes/baths/etc. leading up to the spring months. Despite constant visits to the vet, her pupil hadn’t been noted until her annual check up. I always joked about her “dopey eyes” when Ray would post a picture, but this was different.

Why am I asking for help?

Bella has glaucoma with a mass behind her right eye. All tests indicate she has zero visual response and her pressure has remained high. The past few months, she has been receiving up to three different eyedrops/ointments in her eyes, up to four times daily. In humans, uncontrolled pressure due to glaucoma can be extremely painful. Our knowledge of animals will never be true to their pain, and you might not know interacting with Bella, but the pain is there. I can give her pain medication, but in my heart, I know she deserves more.

Bella needs an enucleation of her right eye. This is a complete removal of the eye, which would result in “Pirate Bella.” In addition, due to the mass, a biopsy is recommended to ensure the health of her left eye. Following my heart, I know Ray would want me to do anything I could for her.

We live in an unpredictable world, so we only ask you to donate if you are able. In an effort of transparency, the quoted max amount of the surgery is $2,573. By no means do I expect to raise the full amount, but anything would help to expedite this process.

Please consider helping my Bella Boo from Malibu become Bella Blackbeard from Barbados! (There’s no good one-eyed pirates to choose from…)