Hi my name is Layla and I came across an old video from 2018 of Enzo at the beach …he could move around so much better then and watching this video brought me to tears and inspired me to do this GoFundMe. He loved the beach but hasn’t been in a long time since he has difficulty ambulating. At the dog park he lays there and watches all the other dogs play and will occasionally bark as he wants to play too but his body won’t allow it. Enzo has a doggie ramp I got him a few years ago so he’s able to get in and out of my SUV. He’s a happy boy despite his chronic pain but he deserves to play and run and enjoy life more.

I’ve been searching for a board-certified surgeon for quite some time since it was Enzo’s only chance. But with the pandemic, my apt flooding and my bed and other furniture needing replaced as well as other unexpected medical bills from my shoulder surgery, I did not have the necessary funds for Enzo’s surgery. I was out of work due to my shoulder surgery. I have been doing the best I can to keep Enzo comfortable with medications, supplements and other modalities.

My shoulder surgery last April has left me with nerve damage and I was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). I had all the clinical symptoms. My surgery kept getting postponed during the pandemic and now I wish I never had it. It has been a long 10 months for me and my dogs especially since I am right handed. PT has helped somewhat but I now need occupational therapy for my right hand. An EMG nerve test is being scheduled to determine my prognosis. My hand was perfect before my surgery. Now I can’t make a fist, have difficulty performing my ADL’S: brushing my teeth, putting on makeup, hooking the dogs leashes, writing/typing and most other fine motor skills. The nerve block was most likely what caused this I’m told (or possibly the surgery itself). Enzo has been there for me during my surgery and now I need to be there for him.

One vet in CA said leave the mass alone and put him down when he can’t get up. Several other regular vets weren’t able to do the surgery. I found a great surgeon at Tufts who saw Enzo’s pictures and had performed the exact surgery. I was put on the waiting list to get a sooner consult (there was a 3 month wait) and then a month later I was told he’s retiring. So, finding a qualified surgeon has been challenging. The watermelon-sized tumor is exacerbating his orthopedic problems that he’ll need further surgeries for. He’s now having difficulty urinating. Another surgeon wanted to give Enzo a new opening for him to pee after removing his mass!

Enzo was never able to go on long walks or hikes when I first adopted him because of his congenital orthopedic problems that went undiagnosed. When I went to meet him this lady tried to talk me out of adopting him. My heart and home was already open for him. I kept checking online and noticed no one was adopting him. The adoption lady said, “adopt Sarge’s (his name then) sister, she’s a happier puppy.” I said, NO, I want the puppy that needs me more…the one that will have a tougher chance of finding a forever home. He has come a long way though…

My friends and family and Luca and Enzo have been encouraging me to do a GoFundMe. I am a bit embarrassed but it is for a good cause and his only hope.

Enzo deserves the chance to live a long and healthy life. He is only 10.5 yrs. old and all my dogs have lived until 16-17, so he’s relatively young!

I am told that the costs associated with Enzo’s further diagnostics and surgeries are about $10,000. I appreciate you ALL immensely! If you’re in a position to help Enzo at all to get back on his feet I would be forever grateful. ❤️