Heart Surgery for Murphy
Donation protected
As many of you know, we adopted Murphy two weeks ago after a long time of searching for the perfect brother for our other rescue, Frankie. He was everything we wanted, sweet, energetic, cuddly, and a great partner for Frankie. Even Billy (our kitty) approved of his new brother, climbing onto the couch to cuddle with him the first night we brought Murphy home. (This is a big deal as Billy can be a little picky sometimes). Murphy is such a gentle boy with his fur siblings.
Two days after bringing Murphy home, we took him in for a routine vet check-up and found out that he had a significant (level 5) heart murmur. We spent the next week preparing for his cardiologist visit and doing as many firsts as we possibly could, his first pup cup from Starbucks, his first chicken mini from Chick-fil-A, his first brewery (don't worry, there was no beer for the four-legged), and his first hike, among other things. We knew the news could go both ways, but the vet was concerned that a dog so young had such a prominent murmur when he was otherwise extremely healthy. One thing we knew without a doubt is that he would stay with us regardless of his diagnosis. He is already family!
The cardiologist diagnosed Murphy with pulmonic stenosis, a congenital heart disease that causes an obstruction to blood leaving the right ventricle of his heart. For now, Murphy will be put on beta-blockers to reduce his heart rate and slow the damage to his heart. Unfortunately, this is not a long-term solution. Murphy requires surgery, called a balloon valvuloplasty, which will stretch the thickened valve and reduce the stress on his heart. Because Murphy is so young, the surgery is our best option for a long, happy life. Without the surgery, he won’t make it past 2-5 years of age. Our goal is to raise $5,000 to have the surgery as soon as possible. The longer we wait, the more enlarged his heart will become. This surgery will drastically improve Murphy’s quality of life as well as increase his lifespan. Already, he is easily tired in his play sessions with his sister Frankie.
So far, Murphy’s life has been far from what he deserves. He has such a kind and gentle soul and deserves to live a long and happy life. Learning that Murphy may not get that chance is absolutely heartbreaking. This surgery is Murphy’s only chance at living the life he has always deserved. Please consider helping us in our efforts to give Murphy a life full of playtime with his new siblings, more hiking adventures, and doing everything he loves. Regardless of the outcome, we will do everything in our power to give home the best chance and best life he can have, whether that is for two years or ten. We just want as much time as we can get with him, and him to have the best quality of life for that time. Unfortunately, we cannot afford the surgery on a firefighter's and student's salary. We certainly did not plan for this, but feel that he ended up with us for a reason. We need help, and we are so thankful for whatever support we can get to make this possible. No amount is too little, we are grateful for everything!
We appreciate all the support from our family and friends and hope that you share this post and encourage others to donate!
Two days after bringing Murphy home, we took him in for a routine vet check-up and found out that he had a significant (level 5) heart murmur. We spent the next week preparing for his cardiologist visit and doing as many firsts as we possibly could, his first pup cup from Starbucks, his first chicken mini from Chick-fil-A, his first brewery (don't worry, there was no beer for the four-legged), and his first hike, among other things. We knew the news could go both ways, but the vet was concerned that a dog so young had such a prominent murmur when he was otherwise extremely healthy. One thing we knew without a doubt is that he would stay with us regardless of his diagnosis. He is already family!
The cardiologist diagnosed Murphy with pulmonic stenosis, a congenital heart disease that causes an obstruction to blood leaving the right ventricle of his heart. For now, Murphy will be put on beta-blockers to reduce his heart rate and slow the damage to his heart. Unfortunately, this is not a long-term solution. Murphy requires surgery, called a balloon valvuloplasty, which will stretch the thickened valve and reduce the stress on his heart. Because Murphy is so young, the surgery is our best option for a long, happy life. Without the surgery, he won’t make it past 2-5 years of age. Our goal is to raise $5,000 to have the surgery as soon as possible. The longer we wait, the more enlarged his heart will become. This surgery will drastically improve Murphy’s quality of life as well as increase his lifespan. Already, he is easily tired in his play sessions with his sister Frankie.
So far, Murphy’s life has been far from what he deserves. He has such a kind and gentle soul and deserves to live a long and happy life. Learning that Murphy may not get that chance is absolutely heartbreaking. This surgery is Murphy’s only chance at living the life he has always deserved. Please consider helping us in our efforts to give Murphy a life full of playtime with his new siblings, more hiking adventures, and doing everything he loves. Regardless of the outcome, we will do everything in our power to give home the best chance and best life he can have, whether that is for two years or ten. We just want as much time as we can get with him, and him to have the best quality of life for that time. Unfortunately, we cannot afford the surgery on a firefighter's and student's salary. We certainly did not plan for this, but feel that he ended up with us for a reason. We need help, and we are so thankful for whatever support we can get to make this possible. No amount is too little, we are grateful for everything!
We appreciate all the support from our family and friends and hope that you share this post and encourage others to donate!
Organizer and beneficiary
Devin Horan
Organizer
Gainesville, GA
Cayla Brantley
Beneficiary
