The Story So Far

This all began with something simple. A checkup. We thought Loki had a ranula — a harmless fluid cyst under the tongue. It cleared on its own. But they did some bloodwork and found Lyme disease. We started doxycycline right away.

Three days later, Loki developed a violent cough — likely picked up at the vet. I started the meds and within three days, the cough was gone.

Then everything changed.

His belly ballooned. He couldn’t catch his breath. His ribs stuck out like he’d been starving. We rushed him to the Montpelier ER. They tapped his heart — and saved his life.

The next morning, he was perfect again. But a week later, we were back in the same crisis. The second tap drained his heart and lungs — not because the lungs had to be done, but because the vet looked at him and said:

“Why make him wait for relief when I can give it right now?”

Since then, we’ve seen the same cycle: Taps. Relief. Return of symptoms. Repeat.

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The Diagnosis

It appears to not be cancer; No visible tumors on echo. That’s the best news we could hope for.

This leads the doctors to believe it’s idiopathic pericardial effusion — which means his heart sac fills with fluid for no identifiable reason.

The only solution is a thoracoscopic pericardial window — a surgical cut in the sac around his heart that would let the fluid harmlessly drain into his chest, where it would be reabsorbed by his body.

No more suffocating.

No more taps.

Just time — time Loki deserves.

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What It Costs

We’ve already spent $5,000 between emergency care, diagnostics, and taps.

The surgery is $7,500.

With imaging, anesthesia, post-op care, travel, and rechecks, the projected total will be $15,000+.

It’s gotten to the point where we’ve started putting off monthly bills - My mother — who has an autoimmune disease — put the last of her credit on the line to help. This isn’t just a campaign for a dog. It’s a plea from a family being torn in two directions.

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Why It Matters

Loki is more than a pet.

He’s a protector. A brother. A soul that shines so brightly it changes everyone who meets him. He’s lived a perfect 10 years — and with this surgery, he could get two more.

Two more years of chasing Luna.

Two more years of cuddles with Ari.

Two more years of being a light in the lives that love him most.

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How You Can Help

This fundraiser isn’t just about survival. It’s about quality of life. It’s about buying not just time — but the right kind of time.

Here’s the goal breakdown:

• $5,000 already spent (ER, diagnostics, and two taps)

• $7,500 surgery cost

• $2,500 in imaging, planning, post-op, and recovery

Goal: $15,000

We’re asking for your help:

• Donate if you can — every dollar buys breath.

• Share this campaign with anyone who’s ever loved a dog like family.

• Believe in second chances — because Loki deserves his.

Thank you for reading.

Thank you for caring.

And thank you for giving Loki a chance to live.

With love,

Damian & Family