Help Us Recover Leo’s Life-Saving Surgery Costs & Rebuild

Hello Everyone:

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.

Those of you who know me know I hate asking for help. However, based on friends’ recommendations I am reaching out through this campaign and asking for your support today.

Last week my precious dog Leo experienced “bloat” (flipped stomach) technically known as Gastric Dilation Volvulus GDV. This condition strikes quickly and if not handled with surgery immediately results in a horrible and painful death. Dogs have been known to die within an hour of its onset.

For some unknown reason Leo started retching late evening. He howled in pain and retched more. Then his stomach distended to twice its size and became hard – this was all within a 15 minute period. It was a horror to watch the fear in his eyes as he continued to pant, panic and dry heave throughout the journey to the emergency vet.

The vet did a quick survey and said without immediate surgery (1:00 a.m. ) Leo would not survive. I had minutes to make the decision to act or Leo would be gone forever.

The vet required a $10,000.00 deposit upfront. I had no choice so pulled out my credit card and prayed.

The surgery went well. When I went to pick Leo up I was charged another $2,190.00. I’m not sure what it was for I was just so thrilled that my best friend/family member survived. It will be another week or so before he is completely out of the woods but I can’t imagine my life without him.

Leo is 8 years old and the biggest goofball you’ll ever meet. He was a rescue from the Toronto Humane Society. He’s an incredibly anxious but loving dog who has brought nothing but joy, laughter and unconditional love to our lives. His favourite things in the world are car rides, snow and his best friend Rosie. He’s never met a person or dog he didn’t love immediately.

I’m still in school and work part-time and will somehow eventually pay off my credit card. I just thought I could use a bit of a helping hand at the moment.

(On top of this crisis my mom and I are being renovicted -- along with the other tenants of our building -- from our home of 24 years – it’s all a bit overwhelming.)

So if you’re able to contribute in any way, financially or by passing this link around it would mean the world to me.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your consideration and support.

Warmest thanks and gratitude,

Vincent Bear Russell and his best bud Leo Bear Russell

FYI: There are a number of reasons why bloat may happen to dogs (esp. larger ones) including stress, eating too fast, vigorous exercise after eating, or even just turning over the wrong way and the stomach flips. Veterinarians are especially careful when they have to place a dog on its side or back to avoid this horrible condition.