The short version:

Samson, my best friend and the beloved “shop dog” at Epoch Tattoo, suddenly developed hemorrhagic gastro-enteritis and had to be rushed to multiple vets and hospitalized in intensive care. He was in critical condition; dehydrated, in shock, and close to organ failure. Thanks to emergency treatment, IV fluids, and round the clock care, he pulled through and is now recovering. His care has cost thousands of dollars, and on top of that I lost income from missed work while staying by his side. Any help with Samson’s bills and recovery means the world to us.

The full story:

Samson, the love of my life and the unofficial mascot of Epoch Tattoo, had a terrifying medical emergency that landed us at the veterinary ER.

On August 19th around 5:30pm, Samson started showing signs of an upset stomach and diarrhea. He’s had tummy issues before, so I thought it would pass (especially since he never gets into things he shouldn’t). But by the next morning, his stool was mostly blood. I rushed him to our vet in Hamilton, who wasn’t overly concerned since he was still eating and drinking. They suspected it was an issue with his large intestine or colon, and confirmed it would be okay for him to travel with me to Montreal for a work trip the next day.

That night, things didn’t improve. He was up every hour, and still pooping blood. I tried to stay calm, trusting it would pass as the vet suggested. On August 21st, we left early for Montreal. He refused food and water before the drive, and though I stopped every hour to encourage him, he continued to decline. By the time we were nearing Montreal, he vomited in the car. I panicked, called our old Montreal vet, and rushed him there. (I’d like to add we used to live in Montreal).

At his emergency appointment in Beaconsfield, the vet was concerned about his dehydration and the fact that he vomited undigested food from the night before. She gave him an antacid injection, an anti-diarrhea injection, and sent us home with antibiotics, probiotics, and oral versions of the antacid and anti-diarrhea medications. She warned me that if his condition didn’t improve by the next day, he’d need X-rays and blood tests.

Sadly, within hours, Samson got much worse. He wouldn’t eat or drink, he couldn’t get comfortable, and the bloody diarrhea became uncontrollable (it was even coming out while he lay down). I called the vet back, and they told me he needed to be hospitalized at the emergency clinic in Lachine.

At DMVet, his situation was critical. He was severely dehydrated, had almost no energy, and his body went into shock. His internal temperature dropped, and the vet prepared me for the worst. They warned he might need surgery, a blood transfusion, or that I might have to say goodbye. I was devastated, calling loved ones while sobbing uncontrollably to prepare them for the possibility.

But after running bloodwork and X-rays, there was hope. His results showed only a mildly low platelet count (from blood loss), a mild elevation in ALP (liver), and significant inflammation from dehydration. There were no alarming blockages. The vet diagnosed him with hemorrhagic gastro-enteritis of unknown cause. She explained that with IV fluids, medications, and intensive monitoring, Samson had a real chance to recover.

He was hospitalized for 24 hours in intensive care, receiving IV fluids and an ultrasound (which confirmed no blockages or cancers). Against all odds, he stabilized, and by August 22nd, he was cleared to come home with me.

Since then, Samson has been resting, eating small amounts, drinking regularly, and having less frequent diarrhea. He is still healing, but he’s improving.

While I am beyond grateful that Samson pulled through, his emergency care has cost thousands of dollars. On top of the bills and the follow-up treatment he still needs, I had to cancel my tattoo appointments to give him 100% of my time, which left me without income during this crisis. We are also staying in Montreal until I know it’s safe for him to travel back home to Hamilton.

Any contribution, big or small, will help cover Samson’s ER hospitalization, medications, diagnostics, and follow-up care, as well as help us through the financial strain of missed work and unexpected travel. Even if you can’t donate, simply sharing this fundraiser means the world to us.

Samson is my best friend, my family, and my heart. Thank you for helping me give him the chance to heal and live the long, happy life he deserves.