Atlas' mom here, letting y'all know that our precious, extra-large sized beefcake has landed himself at AVES (Austin Veterinary Emergency and Specialty) for emergency surgery.

Dan and I recently adopted Atlas around Thanksgiving of last year. Two weeks after he came to live with us, he threw up pieces of a rubber toy we didn't recognize in the middle of the night. We checked in with his rescue, and it wasn't a toy they recognized either, nor had they ever had issues with him consuming inappropriate items. We kept resources very structured early on, as our other dog doesn't always like to share. So we were positive this toy wasn't consumed under our watch, nor at the rescue, which meant it'd probably been tossing around in his tummy for a while (since previous foster or adoptive stints). Since Atlas didn't show any obvious signs of an obstruction, or anything else out of the ordinary, we hoped it was just a crazy fluke.

Cut to a few days ago (late March) when Atlas started feeling under the weather. Dan took him to the vet when his appetite waned and he became lethargic. Atlas perked up and gained some of his appetite back after the vet gave him anti-nausea meds and IV fluids, but vomited again that night, meaning something was seriously wrong with our baby boy.

Dan took Atlas to AVES today (3/27) for an ultrasound, where they confirmed he does in fact have an obstruction. Atlas underwent emergency surgery today to remove the rest of the rubber toy that has been tumbling around in his system for MONTHS. Atlas is recovering at the vet until he's well enough to come home, which could take another day or two.

While surgery went well, and we're grateful to have gotten him the care he needed before things got any worse, we know a massive unexpected bill is right around the corner - right as we're about to move out of state. Dan and I both work, but spending ~$10k when you aren't expecting it hurts.

So friends, acquaintances, animal lovers, and anyone else this story reached, if you have it in your heart to chip in even the smallest amount, we'd be eternally grateful. I'm personally a huge fan of community crowdfunding. Working in animal welfare for the past ~7 years, I've donated to many-a-fundraiser to move metaphorical mountains for dogs we've loved and cared for. Now it's my turn to ask for support for my personal rescue in our time of need.

Picture of the initial toy pieces Atlas was able to throw up:

For those who would prefer to contact the vet directly to donate:

Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center

7300 Ranch Road 2222

Austin, TX, 78730

Ph: [phone redacted]

Fax: [phone redacted]

Email: [email redacted]

Customer Name: Perry, Dan

Patient Name: Atlas

Patient Number: 277367

Date: 03-27-2025

Treatment Plan Name: FB surgery, Hospitalization 2-3 days

Treatment Plan Number: 61064

Subtotal: $8,770.98 → $12,855.46

Tax: $0.00

Total: $8,770.98 → $12,855.46

Required Deposit: $6,578.24