Hi everyone, we have close family friends, Pamela and Marlon “Patch” Bergeron, that are experiencing heartbreak and need our help. Here is their story:

Pets are family to many of us and it is truly amazing how quickly we fall in love and feel the responsibility to help them live a happy and healthy life. Last September we had to send Felony, our 12 year old pitbull, over the rainbow Bridge. This left a gapping whole in our families hearts. I couldn't listen to my husband tell me how lonely he was without his buddy anymore; it was time for a new family member. I searched everywhere for another pitbull puppy rescue; I finally found a sweet little girl we named Mischief. Instantly we were in love and that connection and bond was stronger than I could have even imagined. The responsbility people feel to provide the best life for our pets is instant; We are their parents, their providers, they depend on us and our hearts and souls sure feel it. I didnt realize how true this was until the most recent vet visit. At her most recent vaccination appointment they heard a severe grade six heart murmur. The worst news came at the cardiologist appointment when she was diagnosed with Pulmonic Stenosis the worst possible heart murmur they could have, meaning one of her heart valves is clogged and not letting enough oxygen in and she will not make it long. Dr. Ross at Carson Valley Vetrinary Hospital said she won't make it past a year and a half or so. The only hope she has of having a long life is a surgery called a balloon valvuloplasty. They put a balloon in the valve to open it up. Ironically the only facility that does the surgery on the entire west coast is in Davis. Considering we are in the Carson Valley it is within a few hours and totally doable, he said. My whole world came crashing down as I realized that we didn't have the means to pay for a surgery so expensive. At that moment I realized little innocent mischief has no idea her heart is about to give up on her and her life is going to end so quickly and unexpectedly. I didn't know how I was supposed to tell my husband and daughter that our new puppy is going to die so soon and we can't do anything for her because we don't have the money. I couldn't help it and I started ugly crying right in front of him. He suggested I set up a go fund me page. This is our only hope of saving our babies life and we would be so grateful for everyone's donations. We are usually uncomfortable asking for help but we are mischiefs parents and as parent we will do anything it takes to try to help our new puppy. The surgery is quoted at anywhere from 5500 to 8000 including some workup. That seems so crazy and like such a long shot but I have to believe that anything is possible if you just ask.

We need all the help we can get. Dr. Ross is the cardiologist at the Carson Valley Vetrinary Hospital here in Minden that diagnosed her. The rest of the appointments and surgery will be at UC Davis. I do not have a initial appointment there yet because they are booked through August and the September schedule is not out yet. You better believe I will be calling every day until I get it.