***Update***

April 28th - Mack has had two consecutive days of no fever. His appetite remains a bit lower, but his general appearance and behaviour are better! He is able to go on longer walks, still leashed, but doesn't tire as easily. We've had to push him a bit more in recent days to walk because he was getting some swelling in his back legs. But he's eager to go and has started to bark as dogs walk by again - back to his "naughty boy" behaviours. For the moment we will be pausing the fundraiser due to his stable (and fingers crossed, improving) health. We will monitor his symptoms and have him checked regularly. If his intestinal issues flare up again we will re-assess his treatment and will update on here. Thank you so much to everyone for their support and please continue to keep Mack in your thoughts and prayers.

***Update***

On April 23rd. Mack started to leak fluids from his abdomen - specifically through the sutures located at the top of the incision. We weren't sure whether this was urine from damage to his bladder, or just fluid build-up from surgery. We called the vet and brought him into the clinic. Mack still had a fever and the vet in the clinic at the time was unsure of the cause of the leaking, but stated that it could be from an infection. We were told to come back in the morning when the doctor who performed his surgery would be in.

On April 24th., the surgeon told us that Mack's situation would likely not improve. The pathology report of the biopsy showed no cancer but there was some disagreement on what exactly was found. To make a long story short, the surgeon said there was nothing more the clinic could do for Mack. It was my husband, John, that pushed for an examination of blood cultures to identify the type of infection we were dealing with. The doctor agreed and the test was performed. Results should be in early next week. Mack was very weak leaving the clinic and laid under our trampoline for a few hours when we got home. The following pictures are notes relating to the visit and the pathology report results.

Apr. 25 - Mack's appetite has improved a bit. Although he's not very interested in his food, he is interested in food like ham and prosciutto. He has started taking longer walks and is appearing more alert. Fever still present. We are hoping that the antibiotics are helping. Fluid is still leaking through the sutures. Fingers crossed that he is on the right trajectory due to his alertness, but don't yet want to get hopes up. The following picture was taken when I met my husband on their walk during my lunch break.

Hi everyone... I don't really know what to say here. I've never created a Go Fund Me before and I'd do anything not to have to create one. But here goes...

After serious medical issues of my own at the end of 2019, my family and I wanted to adopt a dog to share our love and lives with. We adopted a 19 lb. puppy from a town close to Sauble Beach - a mastiff mix. He was playful and naughty and stole our hearts.

Mack and I especially developed a close bond and did everything we could together. I spoiled him a ton... And he deserved it. Anyone that knows me knows how much he means to me. During a recurrence of medical issues for myself in 2023, he was always with me trying to make me feel better. And that is exactly why I'm on here now, putting my pride aside and creating this fundraiser. He deserves to get better and run around and chase crows like he used to.

So what am I raising funds for? About 3 weeks ago, Mack started to exhibit signs of severe discomfort and pain. We took him to the vet and he was sent home with some pain meds after an examination, blood work, and X-rays showed nothing. The pain intensified overnight, and in the morning we took him to the pet ER in Mississauga. This was last Wednesday. They sedated him and made him comfortable with IV meds and fluids and performed an ultrasound. The results showed potential thickening of intestinal walls, a potential blockage, and a shady spot. An investigative surgery was recommended and of course we agreed. We transferred Mack to our vet clinic (Avonlea) the next morning. 24 hours in the ER cost us about $3,400 - in addition to the $1,100 spent the previous day at the clinic.

Surgery was performed and a biopsy was taken. Mack was then taken back to our home (last Friday). Surgery, anesthesia, fluids, etc. cost $3,300. We have credit cards, so although that hurt, we wanted to do everything we could to make him feel better. Unfortunately, it didn't...

He is back at the doctor now with a fever and a horrible rash on his abdomen. He isn't eating and is is leaking urine with blood. The doctors are worried and are saying that he may have to be transferred to a specialist dealing with immune issues. His latest appointment ran up a price tag close to $1,200, still with no definitive answers.

With me having recently gone back to work, since being off from early 2023, the prospect of being able to afford further vet visits, treatments, or surgeries is looking bleak. But the thought of "putting down" my literal best friend is not something I'm willing to consider without doing everything I can, like this fundraiser.

So here I am, in essence, asking for help. If you are able to, it would mean the world to me. The money would go towards any visits, tests, or treatments that Mack would need to get to the root of the issue and to resolve it.

Thank you for reading. This was not easy to write :(