Poppy - Vet Bill to becoming a Tripod Puppy

Hi Everyone, my name is Natty and I am mummy of the happy little dog you see in the photo, that's my Poppy.

I am also owner of Poppy's Dog Grooming - and I need your help. It has taken a lot for me to write this and put something together, but I am sadly out of options. I'll start by saying, I wish I had thousands squirreled away, I wish I hadn't booked a holiday back in February before this nightmare began, I wish I could turn back time and save every penny I've ever earned but I can't, and the guilt I'm feeling for living my life, not foreseeing this living hell and now having to ask for help, is almost too much. But my baby needs me and I'm really struggling to do it alone..

If you've been following my beautiful girl's journey on our facebook page you'll know that in June, during her 8wkly groom, I found a lump on her back right leg which 2 weeks ago was confirmed as a grade 2 sarcoma - cancer.

Now, Poppy is insured. She is insured up for £4k per medical condition and due to the speed of her referral and confusing insurance paperwork, I am having to pay upfront and claim back later. I have used the little savings I had and maxed any credit cards to the current total of £3,000 (consultations, scans, testing, lab work, specialist care, overnight stay etc). As I said, I will be able to claim this back through the insurance at a later date. There is a £1,000 left for this condition that I can pay for/claim back.

However, the quote from Dick Whites is that her leg amputation surgery will be between £3,000-£4,500 (definitely no less than £3k as that's the baseline of all their surgeries)

Overwhelming isn't it?

But I promised Poppy, the moment I got her diagnosis, that if she was a brave girl - I would do whatever it took for her to get the best care in the world. Whatever she needs, I will make it happen. And she has been so brave, guys.

She has been through so much with me in her 8.5yrs, she's been my whole world, the reason I get up in the morning, the reason I have a career, she is my heart dog, spirit animal, soulmate. I know I've set the £ goal high, that is my reality of what I must achieve for her, but to even make a fraction of that would relieve some pressure and go towards not only her vet bill but her rehabilitation costs (e.g. doggy steps to get onto my bed) and ongoing medicine (e.g. painkillers)

I have also been warned that once the leg has been removed, they will re-test the sarcoma and if they review the grading up to a 3 (currently a 2) then she will need chemotherapy in oral form.

I will be chasing the vets in the morning as in the last 24hrs she's gotten a bit stiff and is struggling to jump up/has started walking a bit funny. I'm also trying to stop myself being convinced the tumour has grown. I'm looking at her now, fast asleep next to me and my heart could not be any more full but equally, quietly, breaking at what has been and what is yet to come.

I'll stop rambling now, I'm going to wake her up for a cuddle (she'll be thrilled I'm sure)

Any amount is gratefully received and I am more than happy to answer any questions about her diagnosis or treatment ❤️