Dear family and friends,

We find ourselves at a crossroads, where sharing Roo’s journey becomes necessary, despite our inclination to focus solely on his wins. Today, we open our hearts to you, recounting the extraordinary path of our Roo, and reaching out with humility, asking for your support along the way.

Early September of 2023, we found ourselves face to face with Roo—a furry bundle of love and potential. Though his origins remain somewhat mysterious, we believe he endured neglect as part of a litter, eventually finding his way to the shelter through the kindness of a homeless man. Despite his mobility challenges, there was an undeniable connection, and we knew Roo belonged with us. With hearts brimming with hope and resolve, we embraced him into our family, knowing that we would have to be somewhat caretakers for him.

Before our adoption, Roo relied on oral medication administered four times daily to aid his mobility. However, lacking an official diagnosis spurred us to seek answers. We signed him for pet insurance but due to his symptoms being documented prior to his adoption, his insurance will not cover any pre-existing conditions. We began his journey at the neurology department at UC Davis, where extensive tests, including biopsies and spinal fluid analyses, unveiled his conditions: myasthenia gravis and megaesophagus. While not entirely unexpected, the diagnosis introduced new obstacles for Roo.

Following his diagnostic procedures, Roo endured a battle with aspiration pneumonia during his hospitalization, induced by anesthesia. Miraculously, he rebounded with newfound strength, where he walked, ran, jumped, and played like any other pup. It was a moment of sheer joy and hope, shrouded in mystery as his improvement defied explanation, even confusing his dedicated neurology team.

But as quickly as it came, his newfound strength began to wane, leaving us with more questions than answers.

From learning to navigate his Bailey chair, to ensuring he received the best possible nutrition, every moment spent in Roo's presence was a testament of our love and dedication.

Once again, Roo was admitted to UC Davis for aspiration pneumonia. Despite our efforts of catching symptoms early, they anticipate they will need to monitor him for four days. With new imaging, his doctors can see that his esophagus has become more dilated which makes him more susceptible to developing aspiration pneumonia more frequently. Roo is strong and resilient and has proven to show he can fight off the pneumonia with the proper help. Our major concern is that we won’t be able to keep up financially. Each hospitalization stay varies $5,000-$8,000.

This GoFundMe isn't about covering Roo's past medical expenses, though they have undoubtedly depleted our savings. It’s about safeguarding Roo's future, ensuring he gets the best quality of care so he can continue experience all that life has to offer.

To our dearest friends and family, who have stood by Roo's side every step of the way, we extend our deepest gratitude and we couldn’t do it without you.

So, if you find it in your heart to offer a helping hand, no matter how big or small, or simply share Roo's story with those you hold dear, we would be forever indebted to you.

With heartfelt thanks,

Daniella and Jeremey