Support Darth's Life-Saving Surgery Journey

Darth's Journey

As many know, Hunter & I adopted Darth Vader on September 9th, 2024. Since adopting Darth, we decided to help his breathing by getting the NARES (stenotic nares resection) surgery. It's a procedure where they open up the nostrils to help air intake.

When we had that surgery done, they advised us he would extremely benefit from getting a surgery called elongated soft palate (brachycephalic airway syndrome). This occurs when the fleshy part at the back of the roof of the mouth is abnormally long, obstructing the airway. This leads to breathing difficulties, snoring, and gagging, which Darth exhibits all. He cannot go into a "deep sleep"; he will stop breathing, then wake himself up gagging. Having such a small airway makes it so much harder for him to regulate his body temperature, which can cause him to overheat. In most cases, it causes death.

I called around to find a vet that can do this surgery. Unfortunately, no one in this area has performed this surgery, which leads us to MedVet. The estimated price is $3,400 - $4,400, not including the pre-op. This is a pretty pricey surgery, but I've noticed it's a must for Darth to live a long and healthy life. Just a few warm days we have had, and I see his poor self struggling to breathe. The doctor explained it as "as if you were trying to breathe through a straw."

So, for my birthday this year, I'm asking for help. Help that we can help Darth live longer and healthier. This would make the best birthday gift. June 16th. Any bit will help with the surgery. As you all know, I'm a single mother who loves her dogs. But Darth has become Hunter's best friend. I would love to be able to get this done for them so I don't have to tell Hunter, "It's too warm for Darth to go outside with you, too warm to take Darth on a walk." So they can live all their life growing up together. This surgery would help Darth thrive with the busy life of an 11-year-old boy.

Darth has made a huge impact on our lives. He is the joy that we need at the end of a rough day. If you have ever met Darth, he is the one that brightens your day. His personality, his love, and his desire to befriend everything. The strangers who love on him, take random pictures of him on his car rides, and make them smile.

I'd ideally like to get Darth breathing better by the summer. If you can't donate, if you could share, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.