A venomous water moccasin snake bit 3-year-old JoJo last Friday. An emergency vet saved him with anti-venom, but now we’re facing a steep bill. We chose the bare-bones option from the vet. Initially, the amount was going to be three times that. Even the smaller amount is tough for us because we’ve had a ton of medical expenses lately.

JoJo was bitten at our apartment complex’s dog park. When I spotted the snake just inches from my foot and yelled and jumped back, he rushed to my side. The snake struck JoJo’s foot. Immediately he started limping, and his leg began to swell. He became very lethargic. Our vet sent us straight to an emergency vet clinic, where JoJo received anti-venom, painkillers, and IV fluids in the clinic’s ICU.

Thank goodness he responded to the anti-venom. He’s now recovering at home.

JoJo has been a source of joy for our family since we adopted him as a rescue pup. He is the most affectionate dog we’ve ever known, showering us with hugs and kisses daily.

JoJo adores his big brother, Garrett, our 6-year-old rescue dog. JoJo is happiest when he’s romping and wrestling with Garrett, bringing love and laughter to our home even during the toughest times.

And we’ve had some tough times. In the last two years, my husband, Mike, had open-heart surgery and was diagnosed with Lewy Body Disease. I had spinal surgery and a double mastectomy last year and just completed radiation for skin cancer.

Through all of this, JoJo and Garrett have been our emotional anchors.

We’re asking for help to cover JoJo’s emergency care and his follow-up appointments and medication. Any support you can offer means the world to our family.