Sophie is my beloved yorkipoo dog of 8.5 years, who was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure and Mitral Valve Disease on January 31, 2017.

As many can relate, this news came as complete shock and brought utter devestation to my heart.  I often refer to Sophie as my sweetheart, because she truly has the sweetest most gentle heart...she is always trying to do the right thing and has been my steadfast companion through so much.  To discover that her sweet little heart was failing her, killed me inside.

Crushing my hopes even further was the bitter reality that Sophie's life would be taken from her much sooner than anticipated as medication only manages the symptoms, and not even that well.  This diagnoisis is truly a death sentance which I quickly saw firsthand after Sophie collapsed, choking to breathe and had to be rushed to the ER.  Her deterioration has been alarmingly rapid and terrifying to witness.

My only ray of hope was hearing from the cardiologist that there is ONE DOCTOR IN THE WORLD who has been performing Mitral Valve Repair surgeries on dogs for the last 10 years with a 90% success rate, in Japan, Signapore and France.  His name is Dr. Masami Uechi.

Upon researching this doctor I found the clinic in Versailles, France, where he and his team travel to perform these life-saving surgeries, as well as a support group on FB of other dog owners who have had this surgery, succesesfully, and those who are looking for options and support.  

Sophie is at "advanced stage C" in her condition, but is a good candidate with a 92% chance of success.  We are currently scheduled for surgery in Versailles on Monday May 22.  After much, but very rapid consideration, I have decided to take this leap of faith towards giving Sophie a "new leash on life".

This surgery includes the costs of flying the Japanese Doctor and his team to the Bozon Clinic in France and a full week stay at the clinic for post-op care - it amouts in total to over $40,000 CAD.  (or $30,000 USD).

I realize that there's probably a lot of people who would disagree with my decision, mostly because of the cost. It's difficult for even me to comprehend that I am doing this, that I am going to these lengths.

But, in knowing that I could have Sophie in my life for years to come, and the positive prognosis based on Sophie's current state, I felt somehow that I couldn't NOT go forward. Yes money is needed to survive in this world but the love and joy I receive from Sophie is worth more to me...and I have to have faith.  I can make sacrifices, I can work harder or smarter, I can creatively finance - I can do whatever it takes including asking for help, which is honestly not something I like to do because I prefer to do things on my own.

But, sometimes we can't do everything on our own so this is why I'm asking for help.  Anything at all would be deeply appreciated and will go directly towards the cost of this surgery.  And as Sophie's condition is quite critical, if she dies before our departure or at a time where I can recoup some of the financial loss (if that exists), I will give it all back or donate it to the Human Society International.  The Human Society International has been doing amazing work shutting down dog meat farms in Asia, truly incredible.

Thank you from the bottom of mine and Sophie's hearts. If you have any questions about this condition or the surgery please let me know.   

Sincerely, Susan & Sophie

PS: Please pressure your vet continuously to check your dog for a heart murmer...it is often a genetic defect that can easily go undetected.