Henri and I know life is tough right now for everyone. I’m not one to ask for help, but after the past ER vet visits from my other boys, piling on top of the current months of doggy medical bills to treat his systemic fungal infection, I feel like I’m in over my head. I want to be able to provide the pain-free happy life this sweet, goofy, beautiful puppy deserves, but I need your help for us to make it to his first birthday in one piece. Funds will be used to pay past and future bills, meds and 10 million pil pockets. (Pics at the bottom for tax).
Donations cane be made directly to his account at the vet under his name (Henri Boock)
Veterinary Internal Medicine in Bowie, MD | Dogs and Cats Emergency & Specialty https://share.google/ywEYvuWzWtmOz1PTa
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The backstory:
I first laid my eyes on Henri in May 2025, shortly after the passing of my other dog Ray, in April of 2025. I decided to start looking for a dog after Ray, as the house was too quiet especially after losing my first dog, Biggsby, just a year prior. My heart was very empty. I was devastated. I’ve always loved Boston terriers. Both of my previous dogs were Boston terriers and I wanted Henri to carry on that legacy. I completely forgot how much energy puppies have, as my other two boys were 14, and 10 when they passed, but he's worth every cleaned mess and destroyed object.
Henri finally came home in July 2025, after 2 long months of waiting and obsessing over his puppy pictures. I wanted Henri to be a therapy dog to take into work/ various assisted living facilities, as I did with Biggsby in the past, because that is something Ray would never tolerate . The joy Henri brought to the residents faces was infectious. It was beyond heartwarming. He was a huge hit with them and I still am asked when he will return and how he is doing. We were able to this for about 2 months before he became ill.
One night in October I noticed he wasn’t feeling well. This 6 month old puppy was no longer his excitable, energetic self. He was lethargic, no longer eating or drinking, and had trouble breathing with very rapid breaths. I immediately took him to an emergency vet, and after a number of X-rays and diagnostic tests we returned home very late that night with little answers. Unfortunately his situation worsened.
We went back to the emergency vet the next morning and after yet more testing and X-rays the vet noticed abnormal brachial patterns in his lung x rays, which pointed to a fungal infection. With their guidance, I contacted an internal medicine specialist vet who got me in as soon as they could, because fungal pneumonia is very serious concern for any dog, especially puppies who don't have a fully developed immune system. At the specialist we got more x-rays, bloodwork, and a full physical. Henri was immediately started on prednisone and an oral anti-fungal solution. He started improving the very next day. His breathing was much better and he began playing again. We were very hopeful this indicated his recovery was headed in the right direction.
The first follow up about a month later, was another round of bloodwork to check liver levels ( so far so good) and try to find more answers. At the second followup we did a repeated chest X-ray that showed the fungal infection has cleared from his lungs. The specialist wanted to err on the side of caution and continue the anti fungal meds for 2 more months, then recheck.
Our next followup (after the 2 month mark) was to monitor the fungal levels in his blood and his liver values. 10 days before that appointment, I noticed the toe on his back left paw was a bit swollen and what looked like a small black scab had appeared. Over the coming days I continued to monitor and clean his paw and noticed the swelling increased and the black spot begin growing. Henri would sometimes hold up his paw from the pain. When we were seen for our appointment, the vet put him on antibiotics (for his paw) while we waited for the results of more blood work ( for the fungal infection and liver values)
The lab results came back a few days later, and indicated the fungal levels in his blood did not decrease at all, and he now has some elevated liver levels due to the first anti fungal medication. We were beyond devastated with the seemingly bad news. The vet is currently reaching out to another fungal specialist for advice and possible treatments. While we wait, we started him on additional anti-fungal medication and a liver support supplement, as there is no time to waste in his recovery.
We are scheduled for repeated blood work in 2 weeks, to see how Henri is tolerating this new medicine. This includes monitoring liver related values to ensure it is not being damaged by the medication. Additional X-rays of his foot may likely be required if it has not improved by then. Fungal levels would be monitored at the following checkup.
The vet mentioned it’s possible Henri will be on these anti-fungal medications for the rest of his life. In addition to the life long meds, repeated blood tests will be required to monitor his liver’s condition and overall health while on the medications.
We will continue to keep updating as more tests and results are performed. If you made it this far in the story. Thank you. Please share.
