From Playful Pup to Critical Care - Help Gus Heal

Hi, my name is Tanya Penny, and I am the proud “fur auntie” of Gus - a sweet, spirited four-year-old pup who has brought endless love and laughter into our lives. Today, Gus is in the fight of his life, and we are reaching out with heavy hearts and hopeful spirits, asking for help.

Gus’s Story: A Sudden Crisis:

On Wednesday, May 28th, another dog bit Gus. At first, it did not seem serious. But by Saturday, May 31st, everything changed. Gus stopped eating. He could barely stand. Something was terribly wrong.

He was rushed to 4 Paws Veterinary Hospital, where he was immediately placed on IV fluids and underwent emergency testing. By Sunday, June 1st, our worst fears were confirmed. Gus had developed a massive abscess on his shoulder. The infection had spread quickly, killing healthy tissue and putting him at risk of sepsis. He was rushed into emergency surgery to remove the necrotic tissue. His life was hanging in the balance.

We clung to hope. By Monday, June 2nd, Gus was stable. He was on strong pain medication and finally starting to show signs of improvement. But that night, everything took another terrifying turn.

His gums turned yellow, a sign that the infection was attacking his liver. At 1 AM on Tuesday, June 3rd, Gus was rushed again, this time to Maritime Veterinary Hospital in Dartmouth, where more advanced care was available.

There, scans revealed that the infection was aggressive but localized. No tumors. No blockages. The team placed a feeding tube and began intensive treatment. The internist believed there was still a chance Gus could recover.

A Glimmer of Hope, Then a Heartbreaking Setback:

On Friday, June 6th, we finally brought Gus home. It felt like a miracle. He was eating again, cuddling close, and fighting to reclaim his strength after five painful, foodless days.

But our joy was short-lived.

On Sunday evening, while changing his dressing, Lindsey noticed something no pet parent ever wants to see. The wound looked infected again.

By Monday, June 9th, an ultrasound confirmed our fears. The infection was back, more aggressive than ever, and Gus needed another surgery urgently.

And then, a moment of grace. A Board-Certified Surgeon from UPEI happened to be at the hospital that day. There was one surgical spot left, and it went to Gus.

A Brave Fight Continues:

The second surgery went well. The surgeon removed what they could and sent tissue samples to UPEI for further analysis. What they found was heartbreaking. Gus is battling a rare, aggressive flesh-eating bacteria.

Now we wait. We wait for lab results, for answers, and for any sign that this nightmare will end.

Gus remains hospitalized under constant care, while we pray this infection can be cured and will not return. We have already seen his strength and his will to live. He wants to be here. He wants to fight.

Why We Need Your Help:

He is not out of the woods yet, but he has a fighting chance. We are clinging to that hope with everything we have.

Gus’s vet bills have already exceeded $20,000, and they are still climbing. His family is doing everything they can, but the financial strain is overwhelming. That is why I am reaching out with a hopeful heart to ask for your support.

If you have ever loved a pet like family, you know the helplessness of watching them suffer. Gus is a joyful, gentle soul with so much love still to give. He is only four years old, and he deserves a chance to grow old with his family.

Every single donation, no matter the amount, helps.

Whether it is $5, $50, or simply sharing this page, you are giving Gus a fighting chance and giving us all a little more hope.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for believing in the power of compassion.

With gratitude,

Tanya & Gus’s Family