Helping with Masao’s Medical Bills
My name is Kay, owner and dog mom of the good boy in the picture. Masao (pronounced: Mah•sah•o) is a pure breed Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, who just turned 3 years old on April 19th and is bilingual (Japanese and English).
When he entered our lives almost 3 years ago, we automatically knew he was special. Masao is very unique because of his predominantly pink nose and his ocean blue eyes. If you look closely, one eye is half black/dark brown and half blue. Masao enjoys hanging out with his older sister (our cat), being carried like a baby, and going on hikes. Interestingly enough, he doesn’t like to have his picture taken (so he’ll look sad in some pictures!) He is often mistaken as Lassie (a Rough Collie) due to his familiar features and/or a female due to his beautiful colors of fluff. Regardless, Masao is extremely friendly and loves all humans and other animals, which is said to be very different than his supposed breed traits.
Today (April 27), Masao was taken to the emergency hospital because his lack of appetite and swelling on his face. We were told that he has a high count of calcium. According to the VCA Animal Hospital website, “High calcium levels may signal the presence of serious underlying disease including kidney failure, adrenal gland failure (called Addison's disease), a parathyroid gland tumor, and some types of cancer. Pets with abnormally high calcium levels may show signs of weakness, listlessness, increased drinking and urination, and loss of appetite. In some pets, prolonged hypercalcemia may contribute to formation of bladder or kidney stones.” Finding out that he could possibly have a disease or even cancer is heartbreaking. Masao is always energetic and happy, so to know he could possibly be in pain for a while is scary and emotionally frustrating since we see Masao as our child. Unfortunately, we do not know what is causing his high calcium levels, so the doctor will be keeping him to run tests.
Even though we will do whatever it takes to make sure he gets the treatment he needs, his medical bills are a bit costly. We were quoted $3,440 as the lowest, but this could increase depending on needed treatment after his diagnosis. We are reaching out for support emotionally and financially. We are trying to fundraise as much money as we can for about a week or so.
Anything from $10, $5, $1 to a share or a heartwarming message for Masao’s safe healing would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my good boy.
