Tapper's Emergency Medical Fund
Donation protected
This is Tapper. I was scrolling through Instagram one night when Dogs Without Borders posted a photo of this little guy with a caption that read, "This wee little 6 pound, 8 month old Terrier puppy is in the shelter and we want to rescue him *tomorrow*. He is particularly timid and scared for a puppy, so we need a foster who can give him some serious TLC. We think he will only be about 8 pounds when full grown, so definitely one of our smaller rescues." I figured, "what the heck? I'll foster him and give him serious TLC!" When I spoke to Dogs Without Borders on the phone they asked me if there was any chance that I would be a foster "fail" and decide to keep him. I replied that while I was looking forward to fostering a pup, I wasn't looking to adopt because it'd be too risky financially should any medical issues arise. Careful what you put out in the universe!
When I went to pick him up, they handed me this clumsy little puppy in a cone (he'd just been fixed.) Photos really don't do him justice, but he is TINY. He weighed five pounds when I took him home, so he's a real small fry. (In the past month he's bulked up to 6.5 pounds!) He was so sweet and seemed so sad night one.
It took a few days, but Tapper's little personality began to shine. Everybody that met him told me I should keep him, and I insisted I was only fostering him. By night three, all bets were off. I couldn't imagine not being his forever home.
I officially adopted Tapper only a few weeks ago. I was told he was healthy, and hadn't yet figured out his health insurance. I really wish I figured that out day one. (If anything, I hope Tapper's story is a reminder of why pet health insurance is a good thing to have, just in case)
Tapper made a couple weird sounds on Tuesday morning so I took him to the Emergency Center up the street. Due to the fact that both the shelter and Dogs Without Borders knew very little about him, I figured I would err on the side of caution, and have the doctors do a full work up ( x-rays, blood work) mainly for my own peace of mind. When I went to pick him up, they told me Tapper had a diaphragmatic hernia, and his only option was to undergo immediate emergency surgery. Tapper's colon, small intestine, and liver, which was also upside down, were all in his chest cavity, making it very difficult for him to use his lungs. How this little guy was always in a good mood, jumping around and playing, when everything was in the wrong place, reaffirms what a good boy he is. He's a trooper and I'm happy to report the surgery went well and he is expected to make a full recovery. (x rays after & before)
I truly didn't know I could love something so much. Tapper's got my whole heart and I feel beyond blessed that the doctors were able to save him and that we caught this in time. Luckily, the Emergency Center capped the surgery at $8k ( it ended up being closer to $9,200) 
which needless to say is a financial curveball I didn't see coming. I would do anything for this guy, including starting a GoFundMe page in hopes of easing this unexpected financial burden. If you are able to make a small donation, Tapper and I would be forever grateful. Thank you for taking the time to read this. #adoptdontshop
When I went to pick him up, they handed me this clumsy little puppy in a cone (he'd just been fixed.) Photos really don't do him justice, but he is TINY. He weighed five pounds when I took him home, so he's a real small fry. (In the past month he's bulked up to 6.5 pounds!) He was so sweet and seemed so sad night one.
It took a few days, but Tapper's little personality began to shine. Everybody that met him told me I should keep him, and I insisted I was only fostering him. By night three, all bets were off. I couldn't imagine not being his forever home. I officially adopted Tapper only a few weeks ago. I was told he was healthy, and hadn't yet figured out his health insurance. I really wish I figured that out day one. (If anything, I hope Tapper's story is a reminder of why pet health insurance is a good thing to have, just in case)Tapper made a couple weird sounds on Tuesday morning so I took him to the Emergency Center up the street. Due to the fact that both the shelter and Dogs Without Borders knew very little about him, I figured I would err on the side of caution, and have the doctors do a full work up ( x-rays, blood work) mainly for my own peace of mind. When I went to pick him up, they told me Tapper had a diaphragmatic hernia, and his only option was to undergo immediate emergency surgery. Tapper's colon, small intestine, and liver, which was also upside down, were all in his chest cavity, making it very difficult for him to use his lungs. How this little guy was always in a good mood, jumping around and playing, when everything was in the wrong place, reaffirms what a good boy he is. He's a trooper and I'm happy to report the surgery went well and he is expected to make a full recovery. (x rays after & before)
I truly didn't know I could love something so much. Tapper's got my whole heart and I feel beyond blessed that the doctors were able to save him and that we caught this in time. Luckily, the Emergency Center capped the surgery at $8k ( it ended up being closer to $9,200) which needless to say is a financial curveball I didn't see coming. I would do anything for this guy, including starting a GoFundMe page in hopes of easing this unexpected financial burden. If you are able to make a small donation, Tapper and I would be forever grateful. Thank you for taking the time to read this. #adoptdontshopOrganizer
Kathryn Ostenberg
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
