Hi, my name is Rachel and I am raising critical funds for my dog Georgie's unexpected vet bills. Georgie is a spicy, goofy, and adventurous little 7-year-old Chiweenie that has my heart and soul. On March 31, 2026, Georgie underwent bilateral knee surgery at Madison Veterinary Specialists to correct luxating patellas that were causing him increased mobility issues and pain. Unfortunately, Georgie aspirated upon waking from the surgery. He has suffered breathing complications ever since that were misdiagnosed for a couple of months by the vets. Finally, he underwent a CT scan on June 10th at MVS. He was found to have nasopharyngeal stenosis, or a narrowing of the back of the nasal cavity due to a buildup of scar tissue, blocking normal airflow. This is a rare complication from surgery. He was then referred to UW Vet Hospital for a procedure called nasopharyngeal ballooning to break up the scar tissue and create a passage using a stent.

Finally, we thought we had a solution that would help alleviate Georgie's uncomfortable struggle to breathe that we had been witnessing for weeks upon weeks with no clear answer. Georgie bravely underwent his first ballooning procedure at UW on August 4th, with an overnight stay in an oxygen chamber. However, about 5 days later, the breathing issues slowly started to come back. We had been warned this might happen, as scar tissue likes to rebuild itself. So he underwent a second ballooning on Sept. 9th. Same results; about a week later, he was struggling to breathe through his nose again. The doctor said some of these obstructions can be very stubborn and may take 3 to 5 balloonings before getting under control.

The cost for all of this unexpected additional veterinary care since Georgie's knee surgery has been astronomical, breaking $10,000 so far. This is not sustainable for our family. I am disabled and cannot work. My partner, AJ, is working so hard to keep us afloat, but we need help. We won't give up on our dog. He has given us so much and deserves a chance to feel better and keep having adventures. Georgie has seen me through chronic pain, anxiety, and depression, as well as triumphs, milestones, and joys. He is my Emotional Support Animal and loyal friend. He brought me out of isolation during a rough time with disability and continues to help me connect to the outside world and the people in it. I love him so much.

Watching and hearing Georgie's constant strain to breathe through his nose these last 6 months has taken an emotional, mental, and physical toll on us that I have no words to describe. We had such hope that knee surgery would give our boy his life back, and instead it has taken so much of his health. I'm angry, devastated, and exhausted. I feel so defeated, but I don't want to give up. Money cannot be the reason we stop trying. That's why we desperately need your help. Whether you can give a small amount, a larger sum, or simply share this fundraiser with your community; any and all assistance is greatly appreciated more than you can ever know. We love you, and Georgie loves you. I know he still has fight in him, and we will stand beside him on this rocky journey.

Thank you for your time, love, prayers, and well wishes for Georgie and our family during this incredibly difficult time.

Much love,

Rachel, AJ, and Georgie