Tommy Joe's Kidney Care

 

~~UPDATE: I am overwhelmed by the kindness and support of everyone who shared and donated. I have turned off donations on this post as soon as I noticed that it had gone over the fundraising goal. I am leaving this up so that people can continue to see my story and we can spread awareness to prevent anyone else from having to suffer this same heartbreak. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.~~

Our Story:

In September I adopted my dog, Tommy Joe, from Redemption Paws and discovered afterwards that he is terminally ill. They had been treating him for stage 4 kidney failure since June but did not inform me, and failed to include that information in the adoption contract. They said it was a clerical error and that I could either continue to pay for the cost of his medical care with no refund of the adoption fee, or that I could return him to them for a refund of the adoption fee ($738). They would not agree to a fair compromise that would allow me to continue being Tommy's mom for as long as possible.

 

 

Redemption Paws' lawyer contacted me and said they will offer $1000 if I would sign a release saying that I would not sue and that I would not say anything negative about the organization. I refused this offer- I cannot sell my integrity. I believe it is important for me to tell my story. I never want anything like this to happen to anyone else. When advocating for the vulnerable and those without voices, such as homeless dogs, certainly organizations should operate with higher levels of accountability, transparency and integrity.

 

I would never have been so irresponsible as to knowingly adopt a dog that I cannot afford to care for. At the same time, we have become attached and I cannot bear to see him live out the remainder of his days with yet another stranger. He has been moved around enough in his young life and deserves the love and stability I can provide him.

 

I have already incurred costs approaching $2000 for TJ, including the adoption fee, and I am unable afford his continued kidney medication, antibiotics, prescription diet, and the cost of transportation and time off work. I am hoping to offset the costs of his future medical care. I sold my car and that helped a bit, but it is not a permanent solution. He has continued palliative care needs and new costs arise as his condition progresses.

Tommy's body is still holding out and he is still his sweet and goofy self, but my vet says that his body could give out at any time.

 

~ While I was not given the chance to become emotionally/financially prepared to provide palliative care for TJ, I am determined to do all that I can to make the remainder of his days comfortable and happy. I am grateful in advance to any generous donors who have a soft spot for dogs and would help me provide Tommy with the best care I can! ~