Hi everyone, my name is Danni, and I’m fundraising for Charles, aka “Chuck Benny.” Charles is a four-year-old dachshund I’ve been caring for since June. He’s been through a lot already, and I’ve done everything I can to give him the love, medical care, and safety he deserves. But now, he needs urgent help, and I can’t do it alone.

Charles is showing clear signs of a perineal hernia, which is a painful and potentially dangerous condition that’s interfering with his ability to go to the bathroom and keep food up. He’s straining, uncomfortable, and slowly declining despite my best efforts to manage his condition with diet. The more he strains, the worse the hernia gets, and it can lead to a medical emergency called strangulation, which is life-threatening without surgery.

I know he needs imaging and surgery as soon as possible, but even the initial consultation and X-rays/ultrasound are out of reach for me right now.

For context: I’m a full-time doctoral student. I do work, and I recently received approval from my department to pick up additional hours for the upcoming semester. My fiancé is also starting a new job. But Chuck needs help now, and I’ve already been denied CareCredit and other financing options. It’s devastating watching him decline while I wait for the new semester to begin.

I’m actively working on compiling grants to help cover surgery, but I can’t do any of that until I have an official diagnosis and estimate, and that means I need help getting him seen first.

This fundraiser will help cover:

• His initial exam and diagnostic imaging

• A portion of his surgery for the hernia and neutering (which is crucial to prevent recurrence)

• Any post-op care or medications needed for recovery

I’ll share every update and vet estimate along the way so donors know exactly how funds are being used.

Chuck Benny is a fighter with a heart of gold. He’s best friends with my oldest Boston Terrier, Stanley, and is, without exaggeration, one of the most pleasant dogs I’ve ever met. Even in constant pain, he greets me every morning with tail wags strong enough to knock out a grown man and the biggest, sleepiest cuddles you’ve ever seen. He has so much zest for life and deserves to live his life without being in constant pain.

If you’re able to give, even just a few dollars, you’ll be helping save the life of a dog who’s already overcome so much. If you can’t donate right now, sharing this page is just as powerful.

Thank you for being part of Chuck’s village.

— Danni