I'm Bri, Ben's sister, and I'm starting this fundraiser for Ben and Sam after their dog, Blue, needed emergency surgery.

Blue was playing at home when Ben found that at least one microfiber towel had been ripped up and may have been swallowed. At first, it did not seem out of the ordinary for Blue - the most active and mischievous dog on the planet.

But the next day, Blue began vomiting water, could not keep anything down, and was clearly not acting like himself. Ben took Blue in for an X-ray, which showed something in his stomach but nothing clearly obstructive, so the vet recommended waiting overnight to see if it would pass.

By the next morning, Blue was worse. A second X-ray showed a massive blockage requiring immediate surgery. They later learned that Blue had actually swallowed a beach towel, which was expanding in his stomach, and he was within hours of a rupture. Thankfully, Blue was able to have surgery right away and is now home recovering on bedrest for the next 2 to 3 weeks.

Of course, this has happened literally within days of Ben and Sam welcoming their first son, making an already emotional and expensive season even more overwhelming. Between the first visit, surgery, and follow up visits, this will likely be a $7,000 unexpected expense.

The funds raised will go directly toward recouping the cost of Blue’s vet bills so Ben and Sam can focus their money on hospital bills for labor and delivery. If you're reading this, you're likely part of Ben and Sam's world because you're a pet owner or animal lover who understands how unexpected vet costs can turn life upside down in an instant.

If you are able to help, even $5 can make a meaningful difference and help relieve some of this stress as their family grows. Thank you for considering supporting Ben, Sam, Blue, (and Tub!) as their family grows and Blue recovers.