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Jude needs to have one of his kidneys removed. Half of the estimated cost is due before they will begin surgery. He is scheduled for TOMORROW (February 2nd). I have completely maxed out my credit today getting him the tests and care that he needed today.
During a routine vet visit in 2015, a lump was discovered in Jude's abdomen. He was sent for an ultrasound, where it was discovered that he had an enlarged kidney. Since then, we have kept an eye on his kidney and liver functions, routinely doing blood and urine analysis every few months to make sure they stayed normal. On January 2nd, I took him in for his routine tests. I told the vet that I thought it was getting bigger, so she did an x-ray. It had definitely grown, but since he seemed perfectly heathy and everything was functioning as it should, we both agreed not to put him through surgery unless it became absolutely necessary.
Yesterday, for some reason, it became necessary. I came home to vomit and diarreah, and Jude just wasn't acting himself. He was very lethargic and had a hard time standing up and was unsteady walking (He is an amputee, if you didn't know, so this was EXTREMELY concerning). He vomited twice more overnight.
This morning, I took him to his regular vet, where he was given fluids and medicine for nausea and pain. They did a full blood panel on him, and levels that have to do with his kidneys, liver, and gallbladder were high. The vet sent me to VSS (Veterinary Specialty Services) emergency department. The vet there initially wanted him to be hospitalized overnight, but I refused to leave without my Jude. (All they could do for him was give more fluids and make him comfortable. At that point, he was drinking normal, and I could make him more comfortable at home. I'd never forgive myself if something happened to him and he thought I left him.) The vet that saw him scheduled him for an ultrasound first thing tomorrow morning to ensure what it is we are looking at (his enlarged kidney, a mass, etc.). After that, it will need to be removed, and half of the estimated cost is due before they will begin surgery. The estimate they gave me was between $2,604.42 and $3,358.62.
I am completely strapped financially right now. For starters, I am a special education teacher's assistant, living paycheck to paycheck. My second job, that was about 1/3 of my income, ended last week in order for me to return to school to complete my teaching degree. I just purchased a mobile home in July, and my credit is terrible. I was able to use Care Credit for Jude's needs today, but it is completely maxed out, and they will not raise my credit limit.
I understand that far too many people are in my shoes, struggling financially. However, I am BEGGING you, if you have even a little bit to spare for me and my boy, I would be eternally grateful. Jude is my WORLD. If this was a human child, I would receive all the help I needed. My child just happens to be a dog, and there isn't any assistance available to us. I have spent my entire adult life caring for other people's pets and children (and definitely plan to continue to do so!). PLEASE, help me care for my own.
About Jude:
I adopted Jude from Canines in Crisis in March 2011. He was picked up by Jefferson County Animal Control with a previous leg and hip injury that had healed the wrong way. CIC took him in and fundraised for him to get his leg amputated. He became a tripod in November of 2010.
After casually browsing Craigslist's pet section one day, I saw an add that read "3 LEGGED DOG FOR ADOPTION." I had previously had grooming clients that had 3 legs, and I was curious, so I clicked. After seeing those big, brown eyes and that sweet face, I knew I had to meet him. After responding to the ad via email, I became too impatient and called 20 minutes later. An hour later, I was at the kennel meeting this boy. He stole my heart in our first meeting. As soon as I knelt down to pet him, he shoved his big, fat head in my chest, and I was done for! He came home with me the next day.
Since adopting Jude, we have gone on many adventures together. He loves traveling and car rides. He has never met a stranger and loves his doggy friends (especially the ladies). He loves getting to frolic in the creek, but he is definitely not a fan of the swimming pool (or his life jacket). His favorite thing in the world is food. He will come running at the sound of a wrapper, and he will stalk you in the kitchen. His favorite people food is a cheese roll up from Taco Bell (Like mother, like son?). He has SO much patience with all the kittens that I've fostered through the years and absolutely adores his kitty cat brothers and sisters. He is the best snuggler (even when he's snoring). I would truly be lost without him. <3
During a routine vet visit in 2015, a lump was discovered in Jude's abdomen. He was sent for an ultrasound, where it was discovered that he had an enlarged kidney. Since then, we have kept an eye on his kidney and liver functions, routinely doing blood and urine analysis every few months to make sure they stayed normal. On January 2nd, I took him in for his routine tests. I told the vet that I thought it was getting bigger, so she did an x-ray. It had definitely grown, but since he seemed perfectly heathy and everything was functioning as it should, we both agreed not to put him through surgery unless it became absolutely necessary.
Yesterday, for some reason, it became necessary. I came home to vomit and diarreah, and Jude just wasn't acting himself. He was very lethargic and had a hard time standing up and was unsteady walking (He is an amputee, if you didn't know, so this was EXTREMELY concerning). He vomited twice more overnight.
This morning, I took him to his regular vet, where he was given fluids and medicine for nausea and pain. They did a full blood panel on him, and levels that have to do with his kidneys, liver, and gallbladder were high. The vet sent me to VSS (Veterinary Specialty Services) emergency department. The vet there initially wanted him to be hospitalized overnight, but I refused to leave without my Jude. (All they could do for him was give more fluids and make him comfortable. At that point, he was drinking normal, and I could make him more comfortable at home. I'd never forgive myself if something happened to him and he thought I left him.) The vet that saw him scheduled him for an ultrasound first thing tomorrow morning to ensure what it is we are looking at (his enlarged kidney, a mass, etc.). After that, it will need to be removed, and half of the estimated cost is due before they will begin surgery. The estimate they gave me was between $2,604.42 and $3,358.62.
I am completely strapped financially right now. For starters, I am a special education teacher's assistant, living paycheck to paycheck. My second job, that was about 1/3 of my income, ended last week in order for me to return to school to complete my teaching degree. I just purchased a mobile home in July, and my credit is terrible. I was able to use Care Credit for Jude's needs today, but it is completely maxed out, and they will not raise my credit limit.
I understand that far too many people are in my shoes, struggling financially. However, I am BEGGING you, if you have even a little bit to spare for me and my boy, I would be eternally grateful. Jude is my WORLD. If this was a human child, I would receive all the help I needed. My child just happens to be a dog, and there isn't any assistance available to us. I have spent my entire adult life caring for other people's pets and children (and definitely plan to continue to do so!). PLEASE, help me care for my own.
About Jude:
I adopted Jude from Canines in Crisis in March 2011. He was picked up by Jefferson County Animal Control with a previous leg and hip injury that had healed the wrong way. CIC took him in and fundraised for him to get his leg amputated. He became a tripod in November of 2010.
After casually browsing Craigslist's pet section one day, I saw an add that read "3 LEGGED DOG FOR ADOPTION." I had previously had grooming clients that had 3 legs, and I was curious, so I clicked. After seeing those big, brown eyes and that sweet face, I knew I had to meet him. After responding to the ad via email, I became too impatient and called 20 minutes later. An hour later, I was at the kennel meeting this boy. He stole my heart in our first meeting. As soon as I knelt down to pet him, he shoved his big, fat head in my chest, and I was done for! He came home with me the next day.
Since adopting Jude, we have gone on many adventures together. He loves traveling and car rides. He has never met a stranger and loves his doggy friends (especially the ladies). He loves getting to frolic in the creek, but he is definitely not a fan of the swimming pool (or his life jacket). His favorite thing in the world is food. He will come running at the sound of a wrapper, and he will stalk you in the kitchen. His favorite people food is a cheese roll up from Taco Bell (Like mother, like son?). He has SO much patience with all the kittens that I've fostered through the years and absolutely adores his kitty cat brothers and sisters. He is the best snuggler (even when he's snoring). I would truly be lost without him. <3
Organizer
Jenny Est
Organizer
Bonne Terre, MO
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