Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,

I am reaching out with a heavy heart on behalf of my best friend, Rio.

Rio has been a loyal companion for the past 4 years, and through life’s highs and lows, he has never left my side. He is more than just a dog; he's my Emotional Support Animal (ESA), my best friend, and my family.

On Monday, October 7th, Rio and I were both struck by a white Mustang that ran a stop sign in a hit-and-run incident while we were walking home from our daily 2-mile walk. Rio sustained severe injuries to his leg and stomach and is now undergoing his second surgery to help his recovery.

To give you an idea of the expenses so far:

    •    The first emergency visit to the vet cost $1,510. This included 3 prescribed medications, staple surgery, and a 6-hour stay.

    •    The second trip was for stronger pain medications to ease Rio’s suffering and cost $35.

    •    The third trip, after Rio hadn’t used the restroom for nearly 4 days, was $100.

    •    The fourth trip, which involved a dead skin removal surgery and another 6-hour stay, totaled $2,000.

We live in Merced, but due to the seriousness of Rio’s condition, we’ve had to travel to the Standiford Veterinary Center in Modesto, which is a 50-minute drive each way. The travel, combined with the ongoing medical treatments, has made this situation even more difficult to manage.

As I try to focus on both Rio’s recovery and my own, the financial burden has become unmanageable. I’ve had to take time off work for my own healing, which has only added to the strain.

I’m asking for your help during this difficult time. Any contribution, no matter how small, would go directly towards Rio’s recovery and treatments. Your generosity would not only help ease the financial strain but also give Rio a chance to receive the treatment he needs in order to recover. If you’re unable to contribute, keeping us in your thoughts and prayers would mean the world. Regarding the hit-and-run, the police are still looking for the driver of the vehicle.

Your kindness and generosity will make a world of difference to both of us. Thank you for your time, compassion, and any help you can provide.