Hey all, I wanted to do this to help my sister, Lanie, out with vet bills for her beloved bernedoodle, Otis (all the details are below). So far, the vet bills are up to almost $5500. There will likely be more, but we’re trying to handle as much as we can as a family before asking for help, so I’m only going to ask for that much. And if you’re unable to contribute financially, your prayers for peace, healing, and provision are just as appreciated and valuable. ❤️

So on Wednesday (7/16) morning, sweet and normally very bubbly Otis stopped eating and going to the bathroom and was very lethargic/wouldn’t move at all. Our vet said to take him to the ER because we were worried he might have a bowel obstruction. The ER thankfully ruled that out with an x-ray and exam, but said he needed to stay overnight because he was running a fever and his joints were very stiff when he was getting up or walking. They started him on some broad-spectrum antibiotics and kept him overnight. The next evening they said his fever was gone now and Lanie could take him home. He’s been on antibiotics since then, but there’s been no real improvement. That first ER ran several tests but said we won’t have results for several more days. He is still eating some boiled chicken and drinking water well. Poor guy is not moving except to barely go outside to urinate or to lift his head and wag his tail when someone new comes in the room. He’s so weak he cannot hold the position he needs to be able to defecate and seems to constantly be in a great deal of pain. The first ER did not run a tick-borne illness panel and somehow has not gotten the results from his urinalysis in and would not give him anything for pain. So after about 36 hours of no improvement, Lanie made the call to take him in for a second opinion. The second ER ran the tick panel and a urinalysis and are doing a test for Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis (IMPA) and want to hospitalize him again. The tick panel just came back negative so we’re fearful of IMPA being the diagnosis (this usually means a chronic illness with ongoing treatment). They’re running the test for that soon (it requires sedation and a joint tap) and we’ll have to wait a few more days for the definitive answer, but the vet said they usually know once the fluid is drawn, based on if it’s clear or cloudy.

All of that being said, Lanie needs our help. After everything our family has been through lately (losing Dad suddenly, Mom losing her almost 4-year battle with stage IV cancer, various chronic health issues for 4 of us siblings, going through mold remediation in Mom’s home, etc.) she cannot afford all of this, financially or emotionally. Again, anything you can give is so greatly appreciated by all of us who adore this sweet pup.

We love you guys and are so thankful to have such an amazing network of loved ones.

Gratefully,

Lauren