Malcolms monthly care

Everyone meet Malcolm. It is hard to tell from this photo that he is on what I would consider to be his "2nd life." You see, his start on life was not all roses. Although we have no real story on this boy, his scars on his face and body provide us with clues, ones that are  deep, dark and not pretty. This happy boy was dropped off to a pound a few years with the reason being he was " dog aggressive" and although this is not entirely true he is not a fan of dogs in his face (for good reason). Our story began in November 2017 when I brought him home as a foster with a local rescue group. We began to build confidence, trust and a sense of hope as the months went on and as things in one way were improving there were additional underlying issues. It has been just over 2 years of trial and error tests,  food/medication adjustments, vet appointments, setbacks, and growth. In May 2018 Malcolm was welcomed into my home as a permanent resident.  Honestly, I think he knew from the beginning he was never leaving. As time has went on we have begun to work through his magnitude of medical issues ranging from inflammatory bowel disease to protein allergies. He requires a very strict diet and medication regiment day to day and during flare ups he requires additional veterinarian care and medications.  Unfortunately due to some unforeseen personal circumstances and the rise in Malcolms day to day medical care I am now left trying to figure out how to save our home and continue to give Malcolm everything he requires in this chapter of his life.  I have attempted to cut costs several ways using different variations of medications and food, none of which have been successful and all which has caused setbacks in his health.  So this brings us here, I am searching for a way to ensure that he continues to have a home, a place that is his safe haven with me and his doggy pals. The reality is that the numbers don't work out and even with 2 jobs, soon to be a 3rd, I am struggling financially with his costs.  His summer flare up was just under $5000 and I am still digging my way out of that while continuing to tackle his necessary monthly costs.
Here is Malcolm's monthly budget breakdown 
Tylosin ($186)
He requires 2 pills a day ( morning and night). This is a man made pharmaceutical compound that has a relatively short shelf life so needs to be purchased a month at a time. 
Prednisone ($35)
We have managed to cut this down to 5 mg a day, and when we are not in a flare we can manage 2.5mg every other day. I have tried to cut it down slowly over a month period which resulted in yet another setback. 
B12 Shots ($70)
Due to the damage from the inflammation in his intestinal tract Malcolm’s body does not absorb the required nutrients to keep him healthy. He now requires B12 injections every 2 weeks to ensure that his body holds on to the nutrients he requires to thrive. I have attempted to go to once a month which results in significant weight and muscle loss. 
CBD Oil ($90) 
This has been a life saver in terms of decreasing his anxiety. Truthfully I think Malcolm will always be fearful in some way or another but at least we are at a manageable level. I give it to him on a needs basis but this allows his mind to stop spinning and to relax. The interesting correlation is that high anxiety will also trigger his IBD symptoms making anxiety control a necessity and not just a want. 
Honest Kitchen- Raw Dehydrated Turkey ($135) 
Ahh the never ending food trial. So we have been on this for about 6 months now with no issues. I recently tried to change to just a fruit/vegetable base mix in hopes of saving some money- same brand. There were 2 new ingredients and within 3 days he was having a flare up and back to puking and diarrhea. So after exchanging the box and buying the type he had before we have had no further issues. So, just like the other items on his monthly list it appears this is not one he can handle changing. 
Ground Turkey ($50) 
So this turkey supplements the Honest kitchen, trying to absorb some costs from the big box items. He requires it cooked (oh, of course he does!!) This is a work in progress of trying to find pure ground turkey with guarantee there are no by-product contamination.

This boy is an amazing dog who provides our family and everyone he meets with unconditional love and gentleness. So I am hoping that someone somewhere will be able to help ensure he stays right where he is and is given the best chapter of his life.  Thank you everyone. 
Much Love
Mel and Malcolm