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Medical Care for Gatsby

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Our sweet Gatsby, or “G”, as our family calls him, found his way to our home and hearts this past February. We were dog-sitting G for a friend of a friend, as she was searching to find him a forever home. Gatsby’s original owner was an older woman suffering from Alzheimer’s and could no longer take care of G and had to move into a memory care facility.  We fell in love - which was interesting, because we never pictured ourselves as a smaller dog, much less a poodle family. But Gatsby stole our hearts and we knew that this dog was special the moment he walked in.  He is the most lovable, sweet, good natured and truly loving dog we could have ever hoped for. We were only planning to have Gatsby for a few weeks when the kids begged, “Can we keep him?” and, “Please – I don’t want to ever let him go”. Gatsby had found his new home. The kids- and us - have all held on tight and there is never a complaint about picking up after G, taking him for walks or other related dog-chores. 

Gatsby has now been with us for 8 months.  Everyday is always an adventure with G.  His personality shines and he is just a funny, super chill dog.  But Gatsby has had some difficulties. Back in May, we noticed Gatsby started to “knuckle” – no longer walking on his paw, but on his “knee”.  Gatsby began to get worse, often falling or losing his balance, sometimes limping and suddenly walked slower and had to be carried up the stairs. We took him to the vet and was told he would need to see a neurologist. By now it was no longer Gatsby’s front paw, it was his front and back paws – his right side.

Sure enough the neurologist noticed the same things, weakness on his right side, walking on his knuckle, the front leg jetting out perfectly straight in an awkward pose and stance.  The neurologist recommended an MRI to determine what was happening. We were sent home with steroids and pain medication because an MRI would cost about $5,000.  The neurologist suggested we wait a few weeks to see if some rest and steroids would do the trick and perhaps heal whatever was ailing Gatsby.

Three months later, Gatsby has taken a turn for the worse. He falls down frequently, is no longer able to enjoy his long walks with the kids, and sometimes simply slips when sitting or standing on the floor. We fear that there is an issue with Gatsby’s disc or perhaps some other neurological disorder. Gatsby is only five-years old.

My family and I have been shopping around for MRIs and treatment that would cost under $10,000. Our plan is to drive from Elmhurst to U of I – as their vet clinic can perform an MRI and do the needed surgery the same day if that is required. We are scheduled to be there the week before Thanksgiving and are praying that this is a condition that can be fixed.

Depending on the issue and the kind of surgery required, we have received estimates from $8,000 and up.

We cannot begin to tell you how much Gatsby has changed our lives and how much we love him and truly adore this fluffy boy. Our kids, understanding how expensive this MRI and possible surgery is, have each given us the money in their piggybanks to also help Gatsby and have tried to “pay it forward” by donating old towels, handmade toys and other items to the Hinsdale Animal Shelter.

We know and understand how hard of a year 2020 has been on so many of you, our friends, and people we still have to meet. Businesses are going under, people are out of work, and doing all they can to keep themselves healthy and safe. It is very difficult for us to ask for help knowing the uncertainty and hardships anyone can be facing.  Any funds not used will be returned to donors.

We whole-heartedly thank you for your kindness and generosity and welcome you to visit Gatsby and see for yourselves how fast and hard we fell in love with “G”. Many, many thanks.



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Donations 

  • Kate Kinne
    • $100
    • 4 yrs
  • Beth Breen
    • $100
    • 4 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $25
    • 4 yrs
  • Spencer Goodman
    • $25
    • 4 yrs
  • Kathleen J Green
    • $50
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer

Nick Sutton
Organizer
Elmhurst, IL

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