Support Luno's Emergency Medical Care

On the morning of May 8th, our lives were shaken.

While walking through the UCF Arboretum — a safe haven for our VanLife and space we’ve visited countless times — my dog Luno was unexpectedly struck in the face by an Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake. It happened in an instant. One second he was trotting beside me, the next he was yelping in pain, venom spreading fast through his face. 

I rushed him to the nearest emergency animal hospital in Oviedo, where they immediately began life-saving treatment: antivenom, IV fluids, pain control, and overnight hospitalization to monitor for complications. The vet team was incredible, and thankfully, they were able to stabilize his vitals. But the emotional stress of nearly losing my best friend… and the $8,000 in emergency costs... have hit hard.

While transporting Luno to the clinic, I flagged down a UCF employee driving a golf cart to report the situation close to the fire department, but no assistance was offered at the time. I also contacted UCF Police and was issued Case Number 2025-0016599 by Johnthy Candelario et. al. Five officers met with me at the scene afterwards and indicated a snake relocation professional could be contacted. I remained in the area to help warn others passing by, but did not encounter a relocation professional during that time. Given the high traffic in the area, I worry the snake may still pose a danger to others.

Luno isn’t just a pet — he’s my partner in daily life. He’s been with me through college, through nights spent studying in my van, through hard transitions and bright beginnings. His loyalty, love, and gentle soul have gotten me through some of the most difficult moments in my life (transmission breaking costing $10,000, brand new air conditioners breaking down $5,000+ and being without efficient temperature control for weeks, so much more, still bouncing back, and now this).

VanLife can be unpredictable, and emergencies expected... but all this back to back... unprecedented. As a full-time student and working caregiver, I live modestly and intentionally. I’ve been building a life without rent after paying off the initial investment, living out of a van to make ends meet while saving for a future, building a career, and a life. Every dollar counts, and this emergency has left me financially overwhelmed.

This GoFundMe is my humble call for help. The cost of Luno’s care is something I can’t shoulder alone, and every contribution, no matter how small, is a direct lifeline to the support Luno needs to recover fully and return to his joyful self. If you’ve ever known the bond between a dog and person, you know this isn’t “just a bill.” It’s about saving someone who is family.

I've always kept my utilization low, so I was able to use my credit card to initiate treatment. The funds you raise will be used to directly pay off this card and avoid accruing interest starting July 1st!

Please consider sharing, praying, or donating if you feel led. Thank you for reading, and thank you for helping me fight for Luno’s life and healing.

Grace and Blessings,Isaiah and Luno