Our foster journey began recently in May at Cincinnati Animal CARE. Both Evan and I decided we wanted to help animals to get wonderful homes and get out of the shelter. We went to CAC to pick out our 4th foster. The first couple dogs had too much energy for our resident dogs but Sesame was perfect! We brought him home and just 2 weeks later he had a seizure. We weren't sure if this was a one time thing since he had no record of seizures during his time at the shelter, so we just monitored him. Then about 2 weeks later he had another one so CAC did blood work and determined he most likely has a brain tumor. The results paired with seizures, wobbly walk, and droopy eye lead them to this diagnosis. I talked with my vet and they agreed. He has been doing so well on his meds though and has had no seizures since.

About 2 weeks ago we noticed Sesame was starting to paw at his eye and was in pain. We took him to CAC and the medical team prescribed him some antibiotic eye drops. Within a few days we noticed a spot in the middle of his eye that looked like part of his cornea was missing. The medical team performed a stain and explained to us that he had a ulcer on his eye. He was in intense pain after coming back home with us and the medical team told us to keep them updated if his pain did not subside. Initially he seemed to improve but then declined again and was in pain and became very reserved and shy. We took pictures of his ulcer and reached out to a vet, who informed us we needed to get immediate help from a specialist. Upon learning this we made the decision that what was best for Sesame was for him to get additional care. We officially adopted him and took him to the eye care specialist. The specialists determined that Sesame had an ulcer that had caused a corneal perforation and he required immediate emergency surgery to save his eye. I know funds are typically raised prior to surgery but, Sesame was in a lot of pain and there was a risk of his eye rupturing and we just couldn't risk it.

He might have a brain tumor but we think he has a lot of life left and deserves that chance at living it to the fullest. Sesame needed this surgery and we couldn't let him suffer so we adopted him to make sure he could get the help he needed. The Animal Eye Institute was successfully able to repair it with a conjunctival pedicle flap.

We are no strangers to dog medical bills. Dali had to have corrective ear canal removal surgery within the first year of her adoption due to her initial surgery being done incorrectly. Layla as a puppy had to have an FHO surgery and be fitted for a prosthetic boot as well as physical therapy. Early this year we had a long road to finally diagnosing Jaxx with Cushing’s disease and now he requires frequent testing and medication to keep his condition under control.

We love Sesame like one of our own and he is the sweetest boy ever but, did not plan to take on a fourth medically expensive dog. Even after his surgery we still will need to provide for Sesame’s frequent exams and medications to manage his seizures and brain tumor medication in addition to any additional eye issues that could arise.

We appreciate any contributions to this sweet boy because we truly believe he has a lot of life left in him! After being found as a stray, probably neglected by someone who knew he had seizures, he doesn't deserve anything but the best chance at life. I can't imagine what he went though at the shelter in a kennel before we fostered him. Having seizures all alone in a place he doesn't know or understand how he got there. His seizures were at 11 minutes 2 weeks after fostering him so I know it wasn't his first one. He also drops down and freezes like he knows something wrong is about to happen again. After being on meds he hasn't had one in over a month.

Again we really appreciate any contribution that you can make towards his medical bills. It's a tough time for everyone right now but, Sesame is the most wonderful dog you will ever meet and he deserves all the best after the tough life he has led so far. We will be sure to update on how he is progressing through his surgery recovery.

Thank you all so much!!