Hi everyone,

My name is MaryElizabeth, and I'm reaching out with a burdened heart for my beloved dog, Iggy.

Iggy is a crucial part of my world – a silly, smart, and incredibly loving chihuahua-rat terrier-min pin mix who will turn 7 this June. I adopted him when he was just 8 weeks old from Rockn EZ Rescue Ranch in Oregon, and he's been my constant shadow and the most lovable cuddle bug ever since. He and his sister, Lacey, are truly my kids.

Iggy's Unexpected Battle with Blindness:

In October 2024, our lives were turned upside down when Iggy suddenly developed a severe fungal infection affecting his eyes. This led to a devastating diagnosis: Uveodermatologic Syndrome (UDS) and secondary glaucoma with ocular hypertension. Since then, we've been on an exhausting and emotionally draining journey.

Iggy is now completely blind in his right eye, and his left eye is showing very low vision.

To manage his pain and prevent further complications, he currently requires a regimen of four different eye drop prescriptions administered three times a day, plus a daily pill. These are immunosuppressants and eye pressure medications designed to keep him as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

Despite his incredibly brave adaptation, Iggy hasn't been himself. He's been depressed and hasn't played with his sister Lacey for almost eight months. While he's shown remarkable resilience, he's not living his happiest, most comfortable life.

The Path to Pain-Free Living: Bilateral Enucleation

The difficult reality is that once Iggy's left eye also goes completely blind, he will need a bilateral enucleation – a surgery to remove both eyes. We do not want him to endure two separate surgeries, so we are committed to managing his condition with medication from his Veterinary Ophthalmologist until both eyes are blind, allowing him to adjust to his new reality over the summer. We anticipate he will be fully blind within a few weeks to a few months.

This surgery is crucial for his long-term well-being. If we don't proceed with the enucleation, we would still have to continue expensive daily eye medications indefinitely to prevent excruciating pain from swelling and other severe ocular symptoms of untreated UDS and ocular hypertension.

Dogs who undergo this surgery are well-documented to bounce back beautifully, often becoming more joyful and energetic than they were before, once they are relieved of the constant pain and discomfort.

I know that once Iggy is recovered, he will rediscover his world with renewed spirit. He's already learning new verbal commands and communicates beautifully with his body and ear movements.

The Financial Burden & Our Efforts So Far

This unexpected medical crisis has placed an enormous financial strain on us. Since October 2024, we've already spent approximately $8,500 out of pocket and maxed-out credit cards for Iggy's diagnostic testing, labs, several exams and consultations, and ongoing daily medications.

We've been working extra hours, taking on odd jobs, and selling anything we can, just to keep up with his care and the general needs of both Iggy and Lacey.

The estimated cost for Iggy's essential bilateral enucleation surgery ranges from $5,517 to $6,286. On top of that, we desperately need an additional $650 to cover his critical eye medications for the next three+ months leading up to the surgery, and about $3,500 to help alleviate the burden of the credit card debt we've accumulated from his past care.

Our Goal: $10,000 for Iggy's Complete Care and Recovery (Cost Breakdown)

Our fundraising goal is $10,000. This amount will comprehensively cover:

This goal will help ensure Iggy can get the critical surgery he needs and will also allow me to focus on his recovery and adjustment without the overwhelming stress of mounting bills. While I don't anticipate much, if any, extra funds remaining, any unused donations will be given directly to Eye Care for Animals located in Gilbert, AZ in Iggy's name to help other beloved pets whose lives are unexpectedly impacted by ocular urgencies.

How You Can Help Our Brave Boy:

Please consider donating anything you can to help Iggy. Every dollar brings us closer to his pain-free future. If you're unable to donate, sharing Iggy's story with your friends, family, and social networks would be an immense help. Spreading the word is just as valuable!

Iggy and Lacey are my everything, and seeing Iggy suffer has been agonizing. I know that once he's recovered from this surgery, his quality of life – and ours – will be so profoundly improved. He deserves to live his life free from pain and discomfort.

As a small token of my immense gratitude, I plan to create and send artful presents to donors as I am able.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your compassion, generosity, and for being a part of Iggy's journey.

With deepest gratitude,

MaryElizabeth and Iggy n Lacey