Surgery for the Roobster...

Hi, friends. This is Deb Lindland, and I'm raising funds for my constant companion and Best Travel Buddy Ever, Ruby... the senior rescue Borgi (Corgi/Border Collie) who came to me shortly after losing my other Best Friend, the beloved Sophie Minor. Many of you know her and have been seduced by her mellow charms.

Ruby needs surgery. And soon.

For quite some time, she has had a small, flat lipoma (lump) on her left side. Over the past few months, though, that lump began to grow rapidly and has reached the point where it's affecting her mobility. Her left foreleg is forced outward, making her uncomfortable and unsteady. Since she carries most of her weight on her front half, it makes walking extremely uncomfortable for her. She is no longer able to climb up on the couch, or go into stores with me... one of her Very Favorite Things To Do... and it breaks my heart every time I have to leave her in the car. Her "fan club" at Home Depot misses her, too.

Other than this big, hard lump, The Rubinator is in good health. The good Dr. Tawnia Shaw at The Happy Pet Vet did a biopsy a while back and determined that it is not malignant, just very uncomfortable, and getting more so with time. Still, Ruby is eating well and moving as best she can, but it's apparent that she's in some pain and having difficulty getting comfortable.

My own health issues over the past three years have resulted in an inability to do much of the freelance work that once supplemented my income while increasing my medical-related expenses. (Not to mention the insane rise in utility costs recently as evidenced by a nearly three-fold increase in electrical bills. I nearly passed out!) I do have some funds to contribute toward her surgery and treatment, but not nearly enough to get it done as quickly as it's needed.

I've applied to several charities that help folks with veterinary expenses. All were respectfully and compassionately declined because Ruby's condition is not considered to be "life-threatening".

A recent estimate for the cost of surgery can be up to $580 (I'll provide a copy of the estimate if you'd like it) barring any unforeseen complications. There is an additional $100 charge to have her teeth cleaned (she really needs it) while she's sedated. The estimate does not appear to include any follow-up care that may be necessary, which is why I'm asking for a little more than the stated estimate. The tumor has grown since we got that estimate, and I'm not sure whether that will impact the final cost. In any case, research demonstrates that these charges are more than reasonable--quite generous, in fact--and Dr. Shaw and her staff are all wonderful with their patients.

Yes, Ruby is an old gal like myself. She just turned 13. And I realize that the risks of surgery and sedation increase with age. After carefully considering all options, though, it was fairly easy to conclude that offering her a better quality of life for however long she wants to continue to hang out with me (and the many friends she continues to make in our frequent outings) is worth the risk... for her and for me. I love this cantankerous little canine whose quiet, casual company has given me so much comfort through a some pretty hard times.

I'm reluctant to impose upon your kind charity again. I'm enormously grateful for the support and friendship you've given so generously to me and my "fur-mily", especially during these past few difficult years. But this is for Ruby... The Roobster... The Rubinator... and her well-being supersedes any awkwardness or discomfort to me. Any contributions... not matter how small... will be appreciated beyond my ability to express.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I've added a few photos of Ruby, including one showing the large lump on her side. There's also a short video showing how the lump causes her left elbow to jut out and twist with every step...