Meet Mia, the happiest, most giddy and active one-and-a-half-year-old Boston Terrier you will ever know and love.  When this fur ball of energy started to slow down, for no apparent reason, her mom and dad knew something was wrong.  A call to her vet on Thursday, July 9 resulted in a first available appointment the next day.  At that appointment an x-ray revealed a blockage in Mia’s intestines.  She was sent home with medication to assist passing the object.  Over the weekend things were not improving, so on Monday, July 13 Mia was back at the vet’s office.  A second x-ray indicated that the blockage was still there.  Again, she was sent home with a round of medications.  As the week progressed, Mia was not improving.  She was not eating, her energy was all but gone, and her mom and dad knew it was time to seek a second opinion after being told by her vet that they were unable to do anything for Mia until Monday morning.  So on Friday, July 17, Mia was taken to Dogwood Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center in Henrico County, Virginia where she was kept overnight for observation and supportive care.  The next day Mia underwent emergency surgery to remove a linear obstruction from her intestines.  Whatever Mia had swallowed to create this obstruction, the doctor was unable to identify it.  The doctor did say the “stringy” obstruction literally started to saw into and perforate her intestines.  That portion of intestines had to be removed.  Surgery went well and Mia was released to go home.   

 Approximately 24 hours after getting home, Mia started to experience nausea, no interest in eating, and multiple regurgitating episodes.  A return visit to the Emergency Center indicated dehydration, which was expected, and a fever.  Still within the window of five days post-op where the surgical site was still at a high risk of failure, Mia was readmitted.  Because she continued to experience regurgitation, an NG tube was placed.  On Friday, July 24, Mia underwent a second surgery to remove a small section of infected intestines that caused the surgical site to dehisce.  All indications are that the surgery was performed just in time and successfully.  However, Mia’s road to recovery will be an uphill battle.   

Mia’s return to her rambunctious, full-of-life self will be welcomed with open, loving arms by her mom, dad, Boston Terrier sister, Austyn, and all her family, friends, and fans.  Her emergency care and recovery however come at a high cost.  To date the Emergency Center expenses are nearing $12,000.00.  With pending  follow up visits, medications, or any complications that would require readmission, expenses will greatly exceed that amount.  Your donation, needed now, will help offset the expenses already incurred for two surgeries and the time spent and care received in the Emergency facility.  

With humble hearts, Mia’s mom and dad have asked that a GoFundMe account with a goal of $10,000.00 be set up to help with medical costs.  Any amount contributed would be greatly appreciated.  If you are unable to make a donation, thank you for reading about Mia.  We ask that you keep her in your thoughts and prayers.  Mia is a special, well-loved family member.    

Thank you for your time.