Hope for Otis
Donation protected
Otis is an 8-week old Boston Terrier puppy that was born on April 16. When he was 4 weeks old I noticed he was not walking the way the other puppies were. We took him to our vet and he diagnosed him with swimmer's legs. We did the recommended procedures to remedy that condition but he did not improve. The vet then determined it was a neurological problem that was keeping him from being able to stand or walk.
Next, we took him to a specialist in Iowa who also confirmed it was neurological, but could not determine what type of problem exactly it was. The only way to conclusively diagnose Otis' condition would be with a CT Scan, which would cost over $2,000.
Not knowing if we could take the next steps, both financially and time-wise, to care for Otis should he need surgery, etc. I had planned to send Otis to a rescue organization in Ohio that helps animals like him. However, upon some soul searching and a convicting gut feeling, I decided I owed it to him to see his prognosis through to the end. Otis is my heart and no matter what happens we will be by his side.
Otis is a part of our family and we want to take this journey with him, as hard as it could be. Otis is otherwise a happy, healthy puppy with good lungs and a good heart. He eats and plays and interacts with others wonderfully. His only deficit is that his legs are not strong enough to stand and walk.
We will contact the specialist on Monday to schedule the CT Scan. Afterwards, we are hoping to have some answers as to if Otis' condition can be reversed or corrected with surgery, therapy, accommodations, etc. or if this is how he will always be. All funds raised will go to his care, procedures, and veterinary expenses starting with his CT Scan next week. We are deeply grateful for any and all support-both financially and emotionally. Also, if anyone else has any suggestions on how to proceed, as this is all very new to us, we would be open to advice. However, no negative or critical comments please. We are doing what we think is best for Otis. Thank you all so very much!
Next, we took him to a specialist in Iowa who also confirmed it was neurological, but could not determine what type of problem exactly it was. The only way to conclusively diagnose Otis' condition would be with a CT Scan, which would cost over $2,000.
Not knowing if we could take the next steps, both financially and time-wise, to care for Otis should he need surgery, etc. I had planned to send Otis to a rescue organization in Ohio that helps animals like him. However, upon some soul searching and a convicting gut feeling, I decided I owed it to him to see his prognosis through to the end. Otis is my heart and no matter what happens we will be by his side.
Otis is a part of our family and we want to take this journey with him, as hard as it could be. Otis is otherwise a happy, healthy puppy with good lungs and a good heart. He eats and plays and interacts with others wonderfully. His only deficit is that his legs are not strong enough to stand and walk.
We will contact the specialist on Monday to schedule the CT Scan. Afterwards, we are hoping to have some answers as to if Otis' condition can be reversed or corrected with surgery, therapy, accommodations, etc. or if this is how he will always be. All funds raised will go to his care, procedures, and veterinary expenses starting with his CT Scan next week. We are deeply grateful for any and all support-both financially and emotionally. Also, if anyone else has any suggestions on how to proceed, as this is all very new to us, we would be open to advice. However, no negative or critical comments please. We are doing what we think is best for Otis. Thank you all so very much!
Organizer and beneficiary
Ashley Shinn
Organizer
Galesburg, IL
Debra Hubbard
Beneficiary