PJ and Jackson's Foundation for Pets on Fixed or Low Income.

My name is Serena Cripps. I live in the west end of Vancouver. I live on a fixed income of $1,000 a month. Grab some tissues and about 20 minutes of your time. I'd like to share a story with you.

"The fidelity of a dog is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being. The bond with a dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be" -Konrad Lorenz

I don't know about you, I feel this quote in the depths of my heart and soul every time I read or think of it. Dogs have been a constant source of comfort, joy and love in my life, as I'm sure many of you out there will agree with me. I have loved animals with a passion my whole life. There have been the family dog/s, and rescues. I have had Crystal, a Miniature Pincher, retired breeding mama(pre camera era). Then there was Miss Daisy Mae-yo, a Yorkshire Terrier, also retired breeding mama

My Penny (bebe), black tuxedo cat, rescued at 2 weeks old.

My special boy, PJ, Miniature Pincher x Shih Tzu. Oh my babies how I miss you.

Meet PJ:

It was the summer of 2007, I was watching our min pins and shih tzu running around in the yard and thought "that would be a cute mix" with the vision of PJ in my head. Never gave it a second thought. Until February 2008. I got a call from my mum letting me know that there had been a "fly by breeding" of said min pin and shih tzu. Puppies were to arrive end of March 2008.

And there he was, the biggest of the litter. I knew when I looked at him, and he looked at me with those big brown eyes I knew this was the dog I envisioned the year before. The minute I saw him, I said that's MY dog!

And it was a glorious 15 years with my special boy. He was the love of my life. PJ was such a loving, sweet boy. Alzheimers took his joy, his peace along with his sanity. It was an earth shattering day. He made my life whole, and I was his whole life. PJ, my special boy, was big brother and protector to Jackson.

Meet Jackson:

Jackson is also my special boy. He was also born in March, 10 mins after my birthday ended at midnight. We were brainstorming names, and Jackson stuck. I fell in love with him immediately. While also telling myself "don't do it".

12 weeks later, while having coffee at Starbucks with family and friends, my mother puts a dog carrier in front of me and says. Happy Birthday! Jackson was inside the carrier.

It's been 8 wonderful years with him. Jackson, is a very soft, gentle little lover of humans. When we're on a walk and come to an intersection, he likes to stop and watch all the action before he continues on his way. Taking his time, he stops to smell the flowers (and who else has piddled along the way catching up on the "gossip" of the neighbourhood lol) Inspite his small stature, and the times he's been squished or stepped on by large playmates. He shows up with courageous curiosity.

He loved PJ. They snuggled and played together.

Jackson loves to bathe in the sun,

car rides (what dog doesn't), and camping. Jackson is always up for an adventure! He's an embodied little being, he knows and smells when there's been a hormonal change in me, like when I'm about to cry.

In January, Jackson was urinating blood. He has an infection due to dental issue and his prostate. The bill that month came to $1,400. Which I couldn't pay in full, however, I was able to arrange monthly payments of $200 a month until paid off. Jackson was put on antibiotics and pain killers to fight the infection, but it isn't a cure. Dental surgery to remove the infection and teeth.

End of February, I had to return to the vet because blood was in his urine again. I needed financial help this time. So I turned to the many organizations out there. I am deeply grateful for the Vancouver Humane Society for assisting with that vet visit.

Said veterinarian, knowing the pain Jackson is in and the urgency for surgery, informed me that I couldn't return for anymore visits until the January bill of $1,400 was fully paid off. And to schedule the surgery would have to wait until I can pay the $4,000 to pay for it. Or the other option is to surrender him.

I continued my search of financial assistance from the many organizations out there (who will remain nameless). Only to be turned away. The repetitive answer, "funds have been exhausted" or "we don't do that anymore". My favourite experience, was being more than shamed for having a dog while on a fixed income. The last vet I visited was kind enough to waive the exam fee. So I went to see them and explain my situation. I was hopeful, that my little man was going to be helped. Instead, what I experienced was emotional abuse and discrimination. The vet informed me that I didn't deserve my dog. I was also told that if he even did the surgery at cost, that I would not get my dog back because I was a failure. I was also told I had to prove to him that I would be able to care of Jackson by getting a job.

It was a horrific encounter! I left that vet's office hurt and shamed. Then I got angry. Angry at the fact that this sweet little man was being left in pain and sick with infection because of systemic stigma and discrimination against me based on my fixed income.

I am fully aware that vet visits are expensive. I also know I am not alone in the overwhelming financial stresses of our economy. What I do know, is that the strongest thing I can do is to keep searching for help for Jackson. Someone suggested that I try GoFundMe to raise the money I need for his surgery.

Not only do I need to raise $4,000 for Jackson's dental surgery. I want to raise funds to start a foundation that provides financial assistance to all pet owners living on fixed or low income situations like mine.

Treatments like dental surgery, alzheimers palative care, lung disease and cancer are expensive and can bring you to heartbreaking choices like surrender or euthanasia.

Funds raised will be used to pay for Jackson's surgery and to create PJ and Jackson's Foundation for Pets on Fixed or Low Incomes. So that other pet parents like me don't experience the shame and discrimination that I have.

If you have the ability to donate to this cause please do so. For "The fidelity of a dog is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being. The bond with a dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be"