Hello, my name is Kaitlyn Simoes and I’m hoping to raise funds for our beloved family dog, Slug (Slug-Bug, Slugger, Sluggyboy). Anyone who has met Slug knows that he is the silliest, most energetic, and loving dog. Being a Cattle Jack, he has no limits when it comes to playing, giving kisses and hugs, or acting sweet for treats, which always leads to major wiggle butt and his little “doggy dance.” Anyone he meets is met with this energy and love! He has the biggest sweet spot for our children, who he never gets tired of playing with. He has a prominent herding instinct and will gently guide our kids away from anything that looks like it could lead to trouble. He knows exactly how to do his job and takes pride in it! He is a little dork but so dang smart!

While on vacation, we had left our two dogs home to be looked after by a friend. Slug and our other foster dog Chief have not always seen eye to eye. Seeing that this may lead to issues, we adapted and kept them on a constant rotating inside/outside schedule and have kept them in specific areas in the home to avoid any contact or conflict to ensure their safety and happiness.

Sadly, while our friend was occupied in the shower, Slug managed to push his way into the main house through a cracked door where Chief was located. This led to them getting into a dog fight. Our friend was able to separate them, but not before Chief managed to cause serious damage to our sweet SluggyBoy’s leg. We immediately packed up and headed home to be with our sweet boy.

Our friend was able to get Slug to an emergency vet, where they were able to assess his injuries. We learned that Slug sustained a severe front left leg break and deep bite marks and gashes in his paw pad. The estimate to repair/plate/cast his leg was in the ballpark of 12k more or less. Being a single-income family of 5, we are not able to afford this tedious and extensive surgery and recovery process. We were given the choice of amputation, which would have fewer complications during his healing process as well as lessen the risk of future injury. Also, being a more affordable approach (Estimated to cost around 6-8k more or less), we ultimately decided upon and agreed to carry out this procedure.

Having to see our fur baby in this condition and what led up to it has been a heartbreaking ordeal for our entire family. This led to our decision to also immediately re-home Chief, in hopes that he thrives in a family home with no other dogs present. Both of them are amazing and loving dogs, but together, not compatible. We so hoped that being cautious and careful would be enough, but sadly, it was not.

We are hoping to raise funds to cover the cost of this procedure, as the bills we pay each month leave us with close to nothing left over to be able to comfortably cover this expense. Slug is an extremely valuable member of our family, and our children would be in shambles without him. Any contribution towards our cause would be greatly and deeply appreciated.

Donations will go towards the cost of the procedure, x-rays and assessments, keeping him sedated and comfortable in the time leading up to and after his amputation, as well as the cost of screening tests, bloodwork, medicines, and fluids needed before, during, and after, and any other costs that are associated with his injuries and recovery.

We are so thankful and lucky to still have him as a part of our family today, and we pray others see the importance of the bond he provides us and our children and have the ability or desire to donate to his cause.

If you are not able to donate, any form of well wishes or prayer that all goes well with this procedure and his recovery would be appreciated.

Thank you for your time and consideration, and God Bless!