My name is Betsy Lancaster. I have been a Maine resident all my life. Born into a farming family, my love for animals came young. My first personal dog I bought with my own money was a Pug! I loved them from then on. I started breeding pugs in 2022, something I have always wanted to do. I do my very best at what I do.

I have taken in all kinds of animals, whether it be a pony who needed dental work or a kitten who needed a vet visit, and I've always done this out of pocket. I was asked to purchase 5 puppies local to me as they were 5 months old and should have had homes weeks ago. Pugs—I had to do it. I went after them, wormed them all, and gave them their 5-way vaccine. All had previously had a wellness check when they were 12 weeks old and checked out fine.

The evening I got them home, I noticed one little guy breathing heavily when he got excited or played. Kinda like extra air in his neck! I asked the previous owner, and they told me he coughed some like a hairball but never noticed it. I'm an animal freak and notice everything. When I think back to the day I picked them up, I heard him spit up but thought it was nerves because they were leaving their home of 5 months. I got him into my vet for X-rays. He has a tear in his esophagus, caused most likely from some kind of trauma. My vet says he needs a CT scan; the cost of that is up to $2500—that's just the next step. He most likely needs surgery after this. She also stated he is young and can live a long life after it. I don't have the funds to get him all the care he needs. I'm reaching out to start with help for the CT scan. I know it will be a lot more, but this is a start. I feel bad asking, but he can't ask for himself. We named him BillyBob! He would be offered to a home after his care is done at no charge if I can get help with his medical bills. I've cried over this because what did he do to deserve this? If you can't donate, I understand, but please share to try and help him.