Support Troy's Journey to Health and Happiness

I am raising funds for my Golden Retriever, Troy (1.5). His full name is Golden Boy Troy Montana. I have three other Goldens: Annie (8), Richey (4), and Whitney (2). The four of them are the best buddies. We live in an area that has many outdoor activities. The Goldens' favorite? Swimming!

In just a little over 1 year, Troy has had four surgeries - two planned and two emergencies - and had physical therapy for which he had to be lightly sedated. His medical bills have grown beyond my limited monthly income. Troy has gone through a lot of trauma and pain, yet he just absolutely loves life. He loves running and the water. He loves his Golden family and I think me too! He truly is golden.

This is Troy after his first surgery at three months old. No one knows how Troy broke his jaw. We know it was before he was six weeks old. He could only open his mouth about 1/4 of an inch. This had a negative impact on his ability to eat, drink, and to pant (necessary for cooling his body). I took him for an x-ray to determine why he couldn't open his mouth ($263). The vet referred us to a vet specializing in oral surgery. More x-rays and the decision was made to do surgery ($3500). After surgery, he went through physical therapy ($300 per visit - 5) which meant he had to be lightly sedated so his mouth could be gently stretched open. We hoped that the surgery, PT, and him being so young would translate into him being able to open his mouth using the muscles on his left side. Unfortunately, this didn't provide any improvements. He still was so happy and loved to eat even though it was difficult for him to do.

At the age of 11 months old, we tried reiki and acupuncture, again, hoping that the muscles on his left side would loosen up and become more pliable so he could open his mouth more completely. These were positive experiences; however, his muscle did not loosen up. The decision was made to get a CT Scan with a veterinarian specialist hospital ($1500). The results indicated that the right side jaw bones had fused, thus preventing him any movement beyond what he already had. The two options were a Mandibulectomy or do nothing. Doing nothing most likely would have led to his jaw muscles completely atrophying to a point that he would not be able to open his mouth at all and would then have to be put down.

As all pet parents face at some point, is the overwhelming decision to spend thousands of dollars for medical treatment or put their fur-baby down. I decided he was worth trying this extreme surgery in an attempt to extend his life and to provide him a better quality of life.

This is Troy after the Mandibulectomy ($3500). It was gut-wrenching and traumatic for me. Troy was just so happy to be home and eating some soft food. He also had to do the same PT after this surgery ($300 per visit - 4). He was improving so quickly and we received permission from the vet to go to the river. We went on a Friday. Late Friday evening, Troy threw up the first rock. A couple of hours later, he threw up a second rock. For several hours, he tried to throw up another rock but was unsuccessful. He happily ate a light breakfast and a light lunch. By 5 pm on Saturday, he threw up a third rock. I thought we were done. Several minutes later, he ran over to me and I could hear rocks clacking together in his stomach. My stomach just dropped. I called the emergency vet and we traveled the 30 miles to the vet. They took x-rays and what I thought was just three or five rocks turned out to be 40! Some of them were large. Surgery was the only option to save his life ($5000).

This was only two weeks after his jaw surgery. He is such an amazing Golden and I don't know what I would do without him. He recovered quickly. Wednesday morning (Oct 23, 2024), something horrible happened - his suture split open. He was in tremendous pain, bleeding, and some of his organs were hanging out. I called the emergency vet and we sped the 30 miles to the vet. Again, I was faced with having to quickly decide to do surgery or put him down. It was a no-brainer - surgery ($5000 to $10000). He went through surgery and did very well. I visited him yesterday and he gobbled down the turkey I brought him. He was his happy, hungry self again. He is still at the vet hospital because the possibility of infection is critically high (and it would be deadly).

This is Troy yesterday when I visited him. I am a very private person so asking for help is something I don't usually do. This is how special Troy is to me and why I am asking for help to pay for his veterinarian bills so he can have a long, healthy, and happy doggie life. Right now, the bills have added up to $8500 and after this last emergency surgery, it will be $13500 to $18500 total. Please help Troy return home to his Golden buddies (and me!). Thank you in advance.

UPDATE NOV 4, 2024.

Troy is home and recovering. He got his drain tube removed Saturday. Here he is with momma Whitney. He is wearing a tee shirt to protect the incision.