The late Sampson's Veterinary Bills

On August 15th, 2025 - My black lab/shepherd mix began to vomit and lost their appetite; After waiting a day as he has a sensitive stomach, he refused to eat and began to excrete bloody, watery stool.

He was admitted to the vet on August 16th and was upgraded from Urgent to Emergency care, and required surgery to address pancreatitis and a blockage in his gut. This procedure and overnight stay would set me back ten-thousand dollars, and I of course chose to open a credit line to save Sampson. I don't regret this, and don't believe I would have been able to live with myself if I didn't try.

August 17th he entered surgery and emerged with the blockage remove and the pancreatic swelling reduced! He was scheduled for another overnight stay for monitoring and after sleeping on the floor with him, I returned home.

August 18th the vet called me with an update that he was looking 'perky' and 'curious' but still tired - he was eating again but not as much as they'd like; I was requested to come in to help him eat in case he was just stressed.

Only 15 minutes away from the clinic in my car, I was called again with an update that his breathing had begun to slow and I reaffirm that I was on my way.

By the time I arrived: he was dying. No money or time in the world could save him, and I was forced to make the heart-breaking decision to ease he passing so he didn't drown in his own fluids.

Each time he was put under for surgery and, again, for the last time, I ensured I was the last person he saw. The vets were excellent and waived a few of the more expensive fees, including a free overnight stay - I had hoped my 401k would allow me to withdraw even with a penalty, but they refused.

Sampson lived to 11 years of age, and was an incredibly sweet, smart dog that kept me on schedule and knew to comfort me in times of extreme stress- even saving me from an attempted suicide with his unconditional concern and affection.

It's not the loss that hurts, it's the hope that he would recover after that surgery. This website wants me to dress up my story with some heart-grabbing images and AI enhancements; but I'll be honest I was desperate and terrified, and wouldn't have been able to live with myself knowing I didn't do everything I could to give him a chance with everything he has done for me.

Thank you. I apologize to those that find the images of him at the vet shocking.

All funds will be used to pay off the credit accounts I had to open to give him a second chance.