Help Save Kaladin a service dog puppy in training

UPDATE: We have received an estimate and we were quoted $11,553.88 USD for the total bill.

They will required a 70-75% deposit of $8849.56 to get started. The goal has been adjusted accordingly.

The evening of Wednesday November 15th Kaladin a 6 month old doberman puppy in training to be a service dog was hit by a car and shattered his rear right leg.

His family rushed him to a nearby vet who was able to take x-rays and confirm it is a complex fracture that unfortunately needs an orthopaedic surgeon for repairs.

This is a devastating and terrifying situation for Kal and his family. All pets are special in their own way but Kaladin is a service dog in training for his owner Liam who is epileptic. Liam has had violent breakthrough seizures since he was 19 and for the past 11 years has been able to live a mostly normal life thanks to his current but aging service dog Hobbes to keep him safe (and indeed, alive!). Two years ago Hobbes told him that she was ready to retire and so Liam set off on finding a pup to fill huge pawprints and take on this monumental job... a job Kal is now learning to do. It is worth noting that at only 6 months old he has been acing his public access training and he has been learning seizure alert and management as well. I want to emphasize this because beyond being a pet Liam's life literally now depends on Kaladin's and they shared a special bond, an instant connection of the soul the very first time they met. I knew it when Liam first reached out to me and we spoke over the phone for several hours as I interviewed him. And everyone who met Kaladin before he left my home always commented on how he was an old soul and had such a deep, intelligent gaze about him. I had hung on to Kaladin after most of his siblings had left because I knew I wanted to find a home that was as special as he was and I knew I had found that in Liam the day they met.

In Liam's own words:

"He's brilliant, and gentle and brave. He's perfect. He's taken to public access work seamlessly. He loves to learn and doesn't seem to care much where he is doing the learning as long as he's with me. Bonus points if he sees I have my treat pouch on.

He's also shown a really impressive ability to mimic Hobbes' response tasking. He's already figured out how and where to plant himself to help keep my head safe during convulsions and is very enthusiastic about marking a trigger scent once he sees Hobbes start. I know I need to find another word, but... he's perfect."

At the time of writing this they are on their way to the Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota in hopes of having him admitted as quickly as possible. Before embarking on their journey they were quoted 7,000-9,000 USD but until they arrive onsite they won't know the details of the estimate or the required deposit. As Kaladin's breeder, co-owner and as an A-Tech (in Cardiology) myself I want to do everything in my power to help them through this, and I understand the challenges faced by owners and care providers in the veterinary, particularly emergency and specialty veterinary worlds.

In fact I also used to work in rescue, and have personally stepped in to rescue, save and rehome animals in the past on my own dime.

Unfortunately there's only so much I can realistically and feasibly contribute myself and trust when I say I will be maxing out credit cards to at least put the deposit down after the initial estimate at his intake.

The good news is the first vet who saw him ruled out any internal bleeding or other injuries, which means the prognosis for Kal to make it through surgery and recover should be excellent! Unfortunately we won't know much more until he has been assessed at AERCM. Of course I plan to update this go fund me with all relevant medical and financial information as it comes along.

If we hit or exceed our goal all additional funds will go to reimbursing anyone who might loan some money as we frantically make calls as well as long term recovery and care, and any funds beyond that will be donated back to AERCM or the emergency and specialty centre I work for so that other pets in similar situations could be saved as well.

Kaladin's family have huge hearts and are warm, loving, generous people who have helped countless animals in need. Liam is a professional dog trainer who specializes in difficult behavioural cases and has helped keep dogs with their families or re-educated them to be safe around other animals and people and find forever homes. Additionally he also specializes in assessing and training service dogs so other people may also regain independence, freedom, safety and health. Hobbes' impact on his life and health are a huge reason why he started training in the first place. They have helped chickens, goats and other animals on their little farm. He and his partner Emily have opened their loving arms to foster kids and have shown nothing short of enormous hearts that extend to all people and all critters. For all they have given the world, I am hoping this plea for help will move the world to give back. Please help me help them so that they can continue to shine a bright light for us all and keep making this world a better place for all critters and humans alike.

*Please note this gofundme is in Canadian dollars because I am based out of Canada, however all estimates provided will be in USD since Kaladin is in Minnesota. Fundraising goal might be adjusted.