Peppi’s vet bills

July, 2024

Hello again, here we are closing in on Peppi’s 18th birthday in August and we’ve had some very difficult news: Peppi is now living with aggressive malignant melanoma and the goal is to keep him happy and comfortable for the rest of his days as there is no treatment that can help him survive this.

With his birthday coming up I know folks would love to help us celebrate and the thing is Peppi doesn’t need any more toys or treats - what would help us most now is help with the many costs around his end of life care. I’m not sure how much those will be as I’m not sure how much time he has left, but we are likely looking at less than 5 months, and we would be lucky to have that much time together. Yes, my heart is breaking a little each day, but we are focusing on living with this as best we can until it’s his time to go. And I’m very grateful for all the kind messages and visits we’ve received so far. I never planned to open this up again but it’s been a challenging year financially and any contribution would be greatly appreciated by us.

Sending you all much love - live each day as best you can, hug your loved ones and tell them how much you love them. And as Peppi would want: spread a little joy each day!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,

Laura and Peppi

Hi, my name is Laura and I am Peppi’s human! Peppi is now 16 1/2 years old and, like most of us as we age, health issues can come up and they can be costly. Just over a month ago Peppi had much-needed dental surgery to deal with dental disease that poodles are prone to. This was actually his fourth dental surgery in his life. That surgery cost over $2000.

Recently, as many of his dear friends know, Peppi became suddenly ill with pancreatitis and an additional infection. There have been multiple vet visits, medication as prescribed, and expensive new food [$10 a can] and these costs are close to $1000 at this point.

Each month his regular medications are over $300 to help keep him comfortable with the arthritis that he has had for many years.

Peppi’s origin story: some of you may not know that Peppi was not originally mine - my dad bought him for my mom when she was terminally ill. Peppi was a welcome addition to the family, bringing much joy! Some of my favourite memories of that time were seeing my mother throw her head back in laughter at Peppi’s silly antics playing fetch in her bedroom, and watching him nibble on her pajama buttons.

After my mother passed away, I could see how tired my dad from looking after her. I thought Peppi was a good thing, causing my dad to have to go outside and get fresh air. But after about a year, my dad started talking about getting rid of Peppi and I realized that he needed a break from caretaking. I had grown very attached to this sweet poodle and couldn’t imagine him not being part of our family, so I offered to take Peppi on. I always wondered if I would be able to do it. I had always wanted a dog, but as a single, self-employed, woman in the arts, I wasn’t sure. Well, that was 14 years ago.

Peppi has brought so much joy into my life, and in the lives of others, as he does seem to be on a mission to spread joy wherever he goes.

Like many in the arts, the pandemic impacted me financially, and the rising interest rates and costs right now have been making finances more challenging. And let me tell you it feels super weird to create this go fund me. I far prefer to raise money for other causes. But I know how much Peppi is loved by so many, and I thought perhaps some of you might like to help us out.

I am so grateful for all the love and support we have received in so many kind messages, as well as friends, who have come over to help look after him.

Any amount you choose to donate will be received with deepest gratitude, and a poodle lick on the nose! (availability of lick on the nose, varies by location)