On 1/22 my sweet rescue Chihuahua, Niko, became the victim of a dog fight. We truly believe it was an unfortunate accident with him being in the wrong place at the wrong time. His injuries were extensive and life threatening. We immediately brought him to a the nearest emergency vet where they were confident they could fix him right up. However, when they looked at x-rays they realized the internal damage was far greater than expected and he needed to be seen at a specialty facility where they had the proper equipment, including a ventilator. His injuries included disconnected ribs, neck degloving, puncture wounds, intenstines being exposed, abdominal separation, collapsed lung, and torn diaphragm. The estimate we got from 2 different er vet clinics ranged from $7k-$15k for initial/first surgery, and we were told Niko could need several more extensive surgeries during the healing/mending process. We knew there was no way we could afford that. Even with applying to 3 different pet loans (i.e. care credit), we couldn't even cover half. We almost made the decision to euthanize Niko, as at the moment it seemed it would be better for him, not wishing for him to suffer. As we thought about how much we didn't want this to be Niko's end, my husband had a Gut Feeling: That there was one more option left on our list of er vet options. The vet tech told us the vet Dr also works at another emergency vet clinic across the state who was the last option for help on the list. So we asked her to look into the availability of specialty help as well as an estimate for the initial surgery. We kept getting asked are you sure you don't have any other funds? To which we replied, we are completely tapped - we could only cover $5,000 using the pet loans. They agreed to perform the surgery at that price! We drove about an hour and half to then get told it likely would not be able to get done in one visit. The Surgical Vet did not sound hopeful. She thought the damage was too extensive and she may not have all the proper supplies. We asked if she would pray with us and we left it up to GOD to guide her hands and make this surgery a success. She was willing to give it try. We told her that she should walk in confidence - that The GOD made her and gave her every ability to perform a successful surgery. We told her to walk by faith and not to worry or fear, as we knew GOD would guide her though it all. Several hours later we got the good news that the surgery was a success! Niko was stable, alert, standing and trying to walk around. They said that they couldn't believe how tough he was. The vet said to us "Niko, Do you know how close you came to death? Your daddy must have a direct line to GOD." She explained to us how during the surgery there wer struggles and she nearly gave up. She was saying how astonished she was at it all. We pointed Up, she agreed and smiled. Niko was discharged and was transferred back to the original er vet for aftercare for an afternoon, but is now home. He has 3 tubes which will need to be removed next week. He has several stitches that will need to come out later and many possible checkups. This is all if there are no complications.

We are asking for assistance paying down these bills because we are currently at approximately $7k and they will be billed as 3 monthly payments. We are so thankful that we did not euthanize our sweet boy. We are planning to do whatever it takes to help him on his healing journey but we are asking help with the burden of these emergency medical bills. These unexpected bills will create a hardship on our family but we will do whatever we can to pay them down because our sweet boy is worth it. Any amount is greatly appreciated and we thank GOD for the love and support given to us and our sweet dog during this difficult time.