I don't know how to start these, so please hear me out.

My name is Joey. A few weeks ago, my K9 companion (Rico) and I were out for our usual morning walk by our favorite ravine when Rico began to bite his leg furiously about 20mns down the usual trail.

Upon inspection, he had been bitten by a tick (nothing we haven't dealt with before, and when we returned home, the tick was promptly removed.

On Monday, 05/05, I began noticing he wasn't eating very much, and has been vomiting bile, and yellow-orange mucus more often, accompanied with noticable diarrhea, alopecia, and muscle weakness.

I rushed him to the Vet where they informed me he's likely contracted a variation of Ehrlichiosis, Lyme Disease or another potentially fatal viral infection from the tick bite. The wonderful people at the VCA Animal Hospital advised he will need more blood tests, and medication in order to clear the infection and keep Rico alive. Visible alopecia has begun to set in the last few days and my worry is growing as he becomes more sluggish, and lethargic... I can't lose him & I'm scared sh**.

About Rico : Rico is a 2 ½ year-old lovable Black Lab/American Pitbull mix with a giant heart and an even larger personality. I rescued him from a condemned building on the Southside of Chicago back in 2023. He was just a 3 month old puppy, abandoned, and unsure of what was next; something I deeply sympathize with.

Since then he's been nourished, cared for, has received extensive training, and won't even let me use the bathroom in peace.

Rico literally means the world to me... When I come home each day, it's hard to tell who's more excited to see who. He’s my companion, my protector, and my comfort when times get tough.

About Me: I'm 26 years old, Born and raised in the West end of Chicago. I spent most of my childhood in the Foster care system. I have spent the last few years of my adulthood pursuing my Bachelor's of Arts degree at UW-Parkside, paying with Student loans & my Full-time job, as a Hospital Cook. Rico and I live alone in a small rental home, as I do not have any close family ties given my distraught youth.

I am embarrassed to say I am turning to the kind hearts of the public in plea to help me save the only Family I have left- my Dog and best friend, Rico.

The treatment for Ehrlichiosis can be intensive and costly, including medication, vet visits, and follow-up exams to ensure viral eradication.

I want to do everything in my power to give Rico a chance at a full, healthy life, but I can’t afford the full cost on my own.

Estimated costs (with Lemonade insurance) is roughly under $1000*, given the severity of infection in the short time since the initial bite.

Cost Breakdown:

Antibiotics ($150/4 week treatments > 8 weeks)

Probiotics ($30-$50/2-week treatment average.)

Quant C6 Antibody Test ($50)

C6 Antibody Test ($40)

Anti-inflammatory Meds ($10-20)

Urinalysis ($75)

Examination Fees (65$/Visit) and

NSAID, Gabapentin ($20)

This is a lot for me right now, and I want to be as transparent as possible.

*Cost estimates based on VCA pricing. I am seeking more cost effective options.

Any excess funds will be donated to another Pet-in-need campaign to help another family save their loved one, their best friend, and continued to 'pay it forward'.

Updates will be posted as Rico's care progresses.

Rico and I thank you for your consideration and support.