Save Goober: A Boy's Mission to Help His Dog

My 12-year-old son has an incredibly close bond with his best friend, his dog, who has been by his side for a decade. Unfortunately, his furry companion suffered an accident resulting in multiple broken ribs, fluid in his chest, and possibly a punctured lung. My son has asked if anyone would be open to letting him 'work' for some money to help cover his dog's medical treatments so he can bring him back home. I must say, I am truly impressed and proud of my son for being willing to earn his own money rather than just asking someone else to solve the problem for him.

A little background on Goober: he was a 'parking lot puppy,' where someone was giving away free dogs outside a Walmart in Malvern. We adopted him in November 2015 when he was just 8 weeks old. To be honest, he’s the one dog I never thought I wanted, but we all know how it goes when a parent says 'no'—in the end, they can’t help but grow to love the dog.

He takes on the role of the "babysitter" whenever the kids are outside playing. Whether he's keeping an eye out for wandering dogs, unusual animals, or unfamiliar people, he's also busy discovering crawdad holes, dozing in the grass, and protecting the chickens from the little ones—it's quite the sight!

I should mention that the vet has given Goober a 50/50 chance of pulling through at this stage. However, he has truly impressed the vet with his spirit, and my son has noticed just how determined Goober is to come home, which inspires him to do everything he can to help.

Any support or jobs would be greatly appreciated to aid with Goober's treatment. He's not one to shy away from "hard work," and every penny he earns will be directed straight to the vet. I’m more than happy to provide receipts showing the contributions made for those who help out.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this! I'm not aiming for sympathy—just trying to spread the word for my son.

He doesn't know what life is like without him, and I know that day will come one day where he will have to accept it, but we dont want that to be anytime soon, Goober has a lot of life still in him.

I will be posting updates as often as I get them to keep everyone informed.

As of 5/23/25

Goober will be needing surgery to fix his ribs and punctured lung, as well as to see if there could be any other unseen damage from his xrays and ultrasound. I spoke with the Vet today and he is estimating $4,000 but said it could be up alot higher and will not be performed at his clinic but a clinic in Little Rock by Arkansas Vet Emergency Services.

But the good news is that the Dr. Is VERY impressed on how well Goober is doing and improving. He is using the bathroom, but still not eating, he said that is probably due to "too focused on breathing right now".

******UPDATE!!!!!******

I have finally heard back from the Vet office in Little Rock (Arkansas Emergency Vet Services). The Dr. Was able to review all the xrays and results from All Creatures in Hot Springs where we initially brought him. They said that as of right now it does NOT look like he will be needing surgery but close and regular follow ups with All Creatures to ensure everything is healing correctly. This is such GREAT news!!! Although his healing will take quite awhile I want to ensure to everyone who has donated that the funds raised here will be used to continue investing in these vet appointments, xrays, and medications that we will need to make his healing journey tolerable. I have reduced the amount needed on here, and anything left over will be donated to Paws and Claws! Once we are done with the vets office visits and we get released from his care I will post the invoices!

Thank you all who have donated and prayed for Goober and Gauge!