In Loving Memory of Prince

After creating a Go Fund Me account 3 months ago and raising over $2000,

I’ve had to start all over again because I wasn’t aware if you leave the funds in the account for

90 days it automatically refunds every single person who donated.

Which unfortunately has happened. 

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who contributed the first time around and if you’re able to redo the donation that was refunded, I would greatly appreciate it. 

Thank you for all the love and support.

Raised by my grandparents, my mother was afflicted with severe mental health challenges, and I never had the opportunity to know my father during my childhood.

My maternal grandparents resided with us, and I spent a considerable amount of time with them.

Growing up as an only child, my mother, my grandparents, and I frequently relocated.

We consistently resided in two-family homes where the landlords prohibited the ownership of pets.

Throughout my childhood, I was repeatedly promised a dog, but various excuses consistently prevented me from fulfilling this desire. We never seemed to have the financial means or available space to accommodate a pet dog.

However, in 2010, my circumstances underwent a significant transformation.

I frequently encountered small, fluffy-looking dogs in various locations. One memorable occasion occurred when I was browsing the internet and came across an image of Boo the Pom—a popular Pomeranian dog on Facebook—and was instantly captivated by its adorable appearance. I recognized the desire to own one of my own miniature, fluffy companions.

Coincidentally, my close friend acquired a Pomeranian, further intensifying my desire for one.

One day, while searching for the ideal dog to become my own, I discovered three distinct miniature Poms that I particularly admired. However, I was unable to make a definitive decision.

As I perused their photographs, I developed a strong affinity for a particular small, black-grayish Merle-colored pup.

He was the tiniest and most adorable creature I had ever encountered. It was an instantaneous connection.

He was one of five puppies in his litter and the sole male. Additionally, the unique coloration of his fur captivated me.

I firmly believed that this was the opportune moment to fulfill my lifelong aspiration of owning a pet dog.

Despite my upbringing with a deep love and desire for animals, we had never had any pets in our household. 

My dream of having my own dog was finally coming true. I resolved to acquire this diminutive, distinctive Pom pup and name him Prince.

I procured Prince from the breeder. 

This diminutive puppy embarked on a journey from Florida to Brooklyn, where he ultimately found his new home. He arrived on a Friday evening in November 2010, and I was immediately captivated by this diminutive, charming creature.

This adorable canine companion has endured numerous life experiences alongside me, including relocations, changes in friendships and relationships, and the loss of family members.

Prince’s health began to decline shortly before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Valentine’s Day 2020, he was diagnosed with diabetes.

Initially, medical professionals informed me that his life expectancy was limited to six months. However, Prince demonstrated remarkable resilience and responded exceptionally well to the insulin injections.

To ensure his continuous access to insulin, I made substantial lifestyle adjustments, dedicating myself to administering it every twelve hours.

On March 27, 2023, Prince suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, resulting in a stroke. The emergency veterinary staff informed me that my beloved dog’s survival was uncertain. Devastated, I witnessed him being connected to various life-support devices as they attempted to revive him.

Despite the grim prognosis, I remained resolute in my determination to save his life.

However, the situation deteriorated when the emergency vets revealed that Prince had a liver tumor and estimated his remaining life expectancy to be between two and three months.

Prince remained in the animal hospital for nearly four days, during which I visited him for extended periods, offering my prayers for his recovery.

Eventually, Prince’s condition improved sufficiently for his release from the hospital.

Nevertheless, he faced significant challenges in regaining his ability to walk, eat, and eliminate.

I was compelled to provide him with the necessary assistance in relearning these essential functions.

Furthermore, Prince would require lifelong medication to manage his blood pressure and prevent future blood clots.

I expressed my sincere gratitude for Prince’s release and return home.

However, I was unprepared for the arduous task of caring for him alongside my three other canine companions.

The health challenges faced by Prince have had a profound financial impact on me.

I had recently transitioned from my previous employment just one month prior to his stroke in 2023, leaving me with limited financial resources.

Consequently, I was compelled to rely solely on my savings to cover the associated medical expenses.

Despite these difficulties, Prince’s health continued to improve, and he gradually regained his ability to walk independently.

However, the financial burden of his medical care left me depleted of my savings.

The bills were so exorbitant that they were simply unsustainable.

Then, in May of this year, Prince suffered a fall outside the house while walking in my front yard.

His left hip was dislocated by the fall.

Due to his other medical conditions, he was not a candidate for surgery, and there was nothing more they could do.

I took him to the veterinarian, and they informed me that he would no longer be able to walk.

Prince lost his mobility and would now be more dependent on me than ever before.

I would have to keep him in diapers.

The veterinarian recommended that I bring Prince to red light treatment to alleviate the pain and inflammation from the dislocation.

Prince responded remarkably well to the therapy treatment.

While he was no longer mobile, he still enjoyed being in his bed or on the couch with his three brothers.

On October 25th, I left Prince home for a few hours, and when I returned, his eyes were moving rapidly back and forth.

He also kept rolling himself off of the bed.

I immediately recognized that something was amiss.

I took Prince to the animal hospital on Saturday morning at 6 am.

They informed me that they suspected he might have experienced another stroke due to his dangerously high blood pressure.

He remained there for three days, receiving treatment in the ICU oxygen chamber.

He came home last Tuesday night, and I’m forever grateful that my dog has survived not one but now potentially two strokes.

Last year I was too embarrassed and ashamed to ask for any help.

I figured I would just put all the vet bills onto my credit cards and pay them off eventually.

But all of the vet visits, treatments, and medications for Prince have really added up and created a financial burden for me.

His last hospital stay in the ICU has put me in a bad predicament as I can no longer afford to pay all of Prince’s medical expenses despite my willingness to do everything and anything for him to have the best quality of life possible.

This dog means everything to me - Prince is my entire world.

He’s a true survivor, a little warrior; he’s extremely resilient, strong, and brave given all the challenges he has faced.

November 3, 2024 

With a very heavy heart, I must share the devastating news that my best friend has passed away on November 3, 2024 I lost my furry friend, my beloved baby, and my son, Prince. 

Today marks the first holiday I’m spending without Prince. 

I wanted to make this Thanksgiving about celebrating him and the incredible impact he had on my life.

His memorial service took place exactly 14 years after I received him on November 19, 2024.

Prince taught me invaluable lessons about love, kindness, patience, and the true meaning of being a man’s best friend.

The pain of his absence is excruciating, and the past few weeks have been among the most challenging experiences of my life.

Prince was not just a dog to me and his 3 brothers.

He was our best friend and my son. 

A bond that was simply unbreakable.

As Prince grew older, he began to develop various health issues, some mild and others severe.

Before the pandemic, Prince was diagnosed with diabetes, which began a series of health incidents over the last several years. 

But he was so strong, so brave, and always so resilient and always up for any challenges about to come his way over the next few years. 

After a very tough 2023 of health issues.

October of 2024 brought Prince’s toughest challenge yet, one that he fought hard to beat and it was unable to overcome. 

He was surrounded by his 3 brothers when he passed and he is finally at peace. 

He is finally free of the pain. 

To Prince,

Thank you for the incredible 14 years of friendship and love. 

You were the absolute best thing that ever happened to my life.

You were a blessing & I am so grateful to have been your owner, your best friend & most of all your daddy. 

Thank you for picking me to be your father.

Thank you for fighting to be with your brothers & I. 

I will love you forever Prince. 

Prince’s go fund me link is in my bio, if you can make any donation or even share the link I would greatly appreciate it.

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to all who have contributed to the fundraising efforts for Prince. Your generosity is deeply appreciated.

I have recently received Prince’s final veterinary bill and memorial services bill, which totaled $11,000.

I will continue to maintain the GoFundMe page, and any additional donations will be greatly valued.

If you could kindly share this page with your friends and family, it would be a significant contribution to our cause.

The loss of Prince has been profoundly devastating for me. As my beloved companion, confidant, and son, Prince held an irreplaceable place in my heart.

Thank you everyone for all your kindness.

Alex & my beloved Prince