Donation protected
*Screenshot of vet bill & estimates attached at the bottom of this page*
Hi Friends,
I’ve struggled with the idea of starting this fundraiser knowing that so many of us are experiencing financial stress and uncertainty during this pandemic, and there are urgent human rights causes that need our support.
Through all of this, we just discovered that our 3 year old Frenchie, Bisou (who many of you know is the sweetest pup) has two ruptured discs in her neck as a result of IVDD - Intervertebral Disk Disease.
We’re told she needs emergency surgery tomorrow in order to survive. As I’m sure you can imagine, it’s very difficult to ask for help right now, but I’ve decided I have to try everything I can to save Bisou’s life and help my mom pay for the surgery.
Some background: My mom, who Bisou lives with, is a 62 year old Brazilian-American immigrant who has been cleaning houses for over 20 years. Her business has been heavily impacted by Covid and although she has lost 70% of her jobs, she still puts herself at risk - cleaning and disinfecting people’s homes during this pandemic. She cleans while suffering from severe arthritis in both knees and will soon be undergoing knee replacement surgery that will put her out of work for three months.
Meanwhile, our sweet girl Bisou has been experiencing intense pain and spasms, resulting in emergency vet visits and accumulating medical bills. I’ve given all that I can to help, but our funds have been stretched thin.
After multiple vet consultations and unsuccessful treatment attempts (pain medication and strict cage rest limiting movement throughout the day), we took Bisou to have an MRI which confirmed that the two ruptured discs in her neck.
We have been advised that the only chance for Bisou’s survival is to pursue two emergency surgeries, one for each disc as it’s too sensitive an area to be done at the same time. Each procedure will cost $5,300 ($10,600 total) which is more than we can afford, but we will do whatever we need to for Bisou. Without these surgeries, Bisou’s quality of life is greatly reduced and she is at risk of becoming permanently paralyzed with any sudden movement.
If you can help and wish to donate, we’d appreciate it so much. Any amount, even $5, will mean the world to us and will go towards getting Bisou the help she needs. She is still very young and with proper treatment, her prognosis to fully recover is positive.
If you can’t donate, please know that we completely understand and welcome any comforting words, success stories, and positive thoughts. My mom and I remain hopeful and I will continue to keep this page updated with all of Bisou’s progress as we learn more. Thank you for taking the time to read this, for any donations, and for sending Bisou your healing energies <3
-Ariane & Heloisa
More about IVDD:
IVDD is a degenerative disease that effects the spinal cord over time, but it might not be apparent until there is a trigger. A dog may appear to be completely happy & healthy, like Bisou, then one forceful jump, stretch, or bad landing can cause a disc to burst and press into the nerves running through the spinal cord. This is extremely painful for the dog and often causes paralysis below whichever part of the neck/spine the disc is impacting. In Bisou’s case, this would mean almost full paralysis.
Breakdown of Medical Expenses to Date:
- Bisou’s Initial Emergency Consultation: $270
- 2 Overnight Emergency Visits: $680
- MRI: $3,250
- Surgery #1: $5,293.41 - $6,616.76 (high estimate)
- Surgery #2 in 1 month (fingers crossed she won’t need it..) $5,300
Total: ~$14,800 - $17,432


Hi Friends,
I’ve struggled with the idea of starting this fundraiser knowing that so many of us are experiencing financial stress and uncertainty during this pandemic, and there are urgent human rights causes that need our support.
Through all of this, we just discovered that our 3 year old Frenchie, Bisou (who many of you know is the sweetest pup) has two ruptured discs in her neck as a result of IVDD - Intervertebral Disk Disease.
We’re told she needs emergency surgery tomorrow in order to survive. As I’m sure you can imagine, it’s very difficult to ask for help right now, but I’ve decided I have to try everything I can to save Bisou’s life and help my mom pay for the surgery.
Some background: My mom, who Bisou lives with, is a 62 year old Brazilian-American immigrant who has been cleaning houses for over 20 years. Her business has been heavily impacted by Covid and although she has lost 70% of her jobs, she still puts herself at risk - cleaning and disinfecting people’s homes during this pandemic. She cleans while suffering from severe arthritis in both knees and will soon be undergoing knee replacement surgery that will put her out of work for three months.
Meanwhile, our sweet girl Bisou has been experiencing intense pain and spasms, resulting in emergency vet visits and accumulating medical bills. I’ve given all that I can to help, but our funds have been stretched thin.
After multiple vet consultations and unsuccessful treatment attempts (pain medication and strict cage rest limiting movement throughout the day), we took Bisou to have an MRI which confirmed that the two ruptured discs in her neck.
We have been advised that the only chance for Bisou’s survival is to pursue two emergency surgeries, one for each disc as it’s too sensitive an area to be done at the same time. Each procedure will cost $5,300 ($10,600 total) which is more than we can afford, but we will do whatever we need to for Bisou. Without these surgeries, Bisou’s quality of life is greatly reduced and she is at risk of becoming permanently paralyzed with any sudden movement.
If you can help and wish to donate, we’d appreciate it so much. Any amount, even $5, will mean the world to us and will go towards getting Bisou the help she needs. She is still very young and with proper treatment, her prognosis to fully recover is positive.
If you can’t donate, please know that we completely understand and welcome any comforting words, success stories, and positive thoughts. My mom and I remain hopeful and I will continue to keep this page updated with all of Bisou’s progress as we learn more. Thank you for taking the time to read this, for any donations, and for sending Bisou your healing energies <3
-Ariane & Heloisa
More about IVDD:
IVDD is a degenerative disease that effects the spinal cord over time, but it might not be apparent until there is a trigger. A dog may appear to be completely happy & healthy, like Bisou, then one forceful jump, stretch, or bad landing can cause a disc to burst and press into the nerves running through the spinal cord. This is extremely painful for the dog and often causes paralysis below whichever part of the neck/spine the disc is impacting. In Bisou’s case, this would mean almost full paralysis.
Breakdown of Medical Expenses to Date:
- Bisou’s Initial Emergency Consultation: $270
- 2 Overnight Emergency Visits: $680
- MRI: $3,250
- Surgery #1: $5,293.41 - $6,616.76 (high estimate)
- Surgery #2 in 1 month (fingers crossed she won’t need it..) $5,300
Total: ~$14,800 - $17,432


Organizer
Ariane Martins
Organizer
New Milford, CT