Help Penny breathe

Hi my name is Jackie and three weeks ago I decided to save this little girl from what I can only describe as a dodgy backyard breeder.

Penny was advertised on a website for sale and after speaking with the seller I almost instantly started noticing the red flags. The seller was not willing to talk over the phone. Messages only. I was able to start a conversation, and agree to have Penny in our home within about 5 hours, no care in the world from the seller on who could have been purchasing her. I asked the seller why she was needing a new home at 2 yrs old. I was told she is to small to breed so they are moving her on.. This showed me she wasn't a loved pet and I instantly knew I would take her as I couldn't bare the thought of what this small girls life had looked like. I asked if I could collect Penny straight away as she was fairly local to me. The seller insisted on bringing her to me (again a red flag and I believe the seller did not want me to see her living conditions and how many others there may be) the seller had a third party drop this TINY girl off that evening. She came with nothing but a small snaplock bag of food. No blanket or toy with a familiar scent, nothing!

For the first few hours we were unsure if penny could even walk. I have never seen such a scared animal. Her nose was dry. She had dried blood in her ears, scars on her legs and not even the slightest bit toilet trained. This girl obviously has lived the last two years in a cage.

I took Penny to the vet where she was diagnosed with a viral infection, a double ear infection, mites and dehydration. All of which we instantly treated.

The vet was quite concerned for Penny's breathing and could not believe how small she is. Weighing in at 7.6kgs and tiny little legs. The vet recommended having her taken to a surgeon for an assessment to have surgery done to help her breath. This is a common thing for a Frenchie. However, the vet said penny seemed to be on the more severe side.

The next day we attended southpaws for a consultation where the surgeon advised me that Penny's nostrils are basically closed and she will need surgery pretty urgently. This is something that will end her life by approximately age 4 if not done and she will be extremely uncomfortable over the hot months. The surgeon said that if any collapsed in the back of her throat, she will suffocate to death.

The surgeon suggested having the surgery done within the next month and will need to desex her at the same time. The surgeon had said that he is gob smacked that she has been allowed by someone to go on this way and not have been seen by a vet sooner regarding this.

Unfortunately this is not covered by pet insurance as it is a pre existing condition. I have been quoted between $4500 and $6500 for this to be done and may differ depending on how long of a stay she will need to recover. As I had already paid a few thousand to have her into my care just three weeks ago plus vet bills for her other health issues and medication, I unfortunately don't have the disposable income to get her operated on straight away. $10,000 is a lot in the space of three weeks. I don't want this girl to wait or have to suffer so I am hoping that some kind hearted people may like to help.

I contacted the seller explaining the situation in hopes of some sort of help with the cost of a partial refund but the seller simply responded telling me to GIVE HER A COLD SHOWER WHEN SHE STRUGGLES TO BREATHE. . I'm shocked.

I am not usually one to ask for help. However, this is not for me. This is for her.