Hi all, my name is Amber Rose and I’m a member of the local film community in Milwaukee Wisconsin. You might recognise me from the film screenings I’ve organised to fundraise for local orgs that support some of our vulnerable communities here in Wisconsin. I have been living with PTSD since 2012, and my Service Dog Bily has been by my side since he was trained in 2017. Anyone who knows Billy or has met Billy is aware of what a sweet and loving boy he is. Anyone who knows me knows that Billy is more than my Service Dog, he is my family, my best friend, and my entire world. I literally could not function without him.

Billy is a beloved member of the community in his own right. He has been the Bestest Boy on many local film projects, attended all our community events, and many local film festivals. He cares for others around him and is always looking to make friends (for pats when he off duty). It’s vital we get Billy his needed Dental Surgery and Cardiac Care immediately in order for the surgery to be as safe as possible given his cardiac risk factors and the condition of the tooth that needs to be investigated and removed (I’ve gone into detail below, but this is the condensed version).

Billy was diagnosed with a heart murmur in October of last year, meaning that he has a heart condition. Since then, we’ve managed to maintain the condition of his heart with medication, diet, and gentle exercise. However, his heart condition is a progressive which means it will worsen over time, and there that time and progression varies dog to dog. It also means that going under general anaesthetic (for his urgently needed Dental Surgery) holds a higher risk, requiring more testing and specialist consults prior to surgery.

Unfortunately, our previous vet lied about their credentials, and they were not providing the high level of care they made the appearance of providing. Billy’s last dental surgery was not done properly (by this previous vet) and on his most recent vet visit (to our new wonderful veterinarian’s clinic) one of his molars, his back teeth, is dying, covered in black plaque, destroying his gum. If left untreated for much longer, this could very quickly turn into a nasty abscess risking a serious infection to Billy's gums and jawbone, along with severe pain. Both the vet and I had never seen anything quite like this tooth before; to that extreme within the time frame of his last dental, it doesn't seem possible. The tooth needs to be removed as soon as possible but due to his heart condition,

Billy needs a Cardiac Ultrasound and consultation with a Canine Cardiologist prior to surgery. This allows us to check if his heart murmur has progressed past a grade 3 heart murmur or is staying stable (Billy was diagnosed at grade 3). The Cardiologist also needs to give recommendations for going under general anaesthetic for a 2 hour Dental Surgery. As well as assess the heightened risk factors for the surgery will be based on his heart condition. Billy also needs a full blood panel done prior to surgery, to check his general health, and liver and kidney function (anaesthesia is processed through the kidneys and liver). Again, as part of a risk assessment and so that Billy’s surgery can be the safest it can possibly be given his risk factors and all possible emergency scenarios are planned for.

As you can imagine, all of these procedures, tests, and surgery are very expensive. I finished my teaching job last semester. I am a full time student and a full fees/tuition paying student again. I have been struggling financially before the immediate need for Billy’s surgery. Our vet quoted me approximately $2,500 for his Dental Surgery and blood tests and approximately $800 for his ultrasound sound and cardiac specialist consultation. This is excluding post-surgery medication and care, and only include quotes given for these procedures. As his heart condition is progressive, and his tooth is a big infection risk, it is incredibly important to get him in for his Cardiac Ultrasound and then Dental Surgery as soon as possible. Waiting would pose great risk on both fronts (heart and tooth).

Billy is my entire world; I rely on him to function and live in the world. So, making sure he gets the care he needs in the safest way possible with his current veterinary team who are honest, qualified, caring, and highly competent is crucial for both Billy and myself.

Billy is so full of love. It breaks my heart that his heart is a little broken and that he needs this surgery now, because his previous vet did not properly do his dental last time or provide the high standard of care any dog deserves.

It is so important we can get him the care he needs now so that he can keep caring for me & allowing me to live my life, with him by my side. Billy has cared for me for nearly 10 years and looked after me through the worst moments of my PTSD. Getting Billy the care he needs quickly is the least I can do in return for his love, support, and assistance over the last 10 years.

Any amount helps. I know everyone is struggling financially at the moment. Sharing and reposting helps too. Thank you so much for taking the time to learn about Billy and his health needs. I am so lucky to have him and want to keep him healthy and pain free for as long as possible. He’s a wonderful dog who deserves the world.

Thanks again!

Lots of love,

Billy and Amber Rose