Help save Cujo
Donation protected
As most of you know, Cujo is not just a dog, he is my best friend. He has been the light of my life for the last 4.5 years, the being in which I arrange my days around, and the one true consistency in my life for as long as I can remember. He effortlessly brings joy through wiggles and slobbery kisses to not only me but to every stranger and friend he meets. I have yet to interact with someone who didn't instantly fall in love Cooj; I trully believe it's impossible not to love him.
Unfortunately, on our journey across country from Boston, MA to start a new life in Denver, CO, Cujo caught pneumonia. He was first diagnosed only a few short days after arriving to Denver but was showing slow improvements with the antibiotics helping in his recovery. One week into antibiotic treatment, Cujo was almost looking his usual self and was able to spend the day at Union reservoir chasing his beloved frisbee and swimming; just beginning to enjoy all that Colorado has to offer. Shockingly, Cujo awoke the next morning to have slightly labored breathing which continued to worsen throughout the day. That night, he woke me up with the bed convulsing from all the effort he was using to try and breath. As I watched my baby struggle for air, I knew things had taken a major turn for the worse.
After being rushed to the ER, Cujo was diagnosed with bilateral pneumothorax with an unknown cause that morning. The ER doctors emergently placed a large needle into his lungs to relieve the air that was causing pressure inside his chest cavity, preventing his own lungs to fill with oxygen. Unfortunately, his chest cavity quickly refilled with air and we knew that surgery would be the only option to save his life.
Cujo, being the strong, gentle giant that he is, powered through surgery like a champ. They found that his pneumonia had caused abscesses to form and one of those abscesses had ruptured, causing the air leak in his lungs. He underwent major surgery opening up his chest cavity with the removal of one of his lung lobes. Despite all this, he looked to be on his way to recovery and I couldn't have been happier to take him home from the ICU after being in the hospital for three long days.
Ecstatic, we traveled home with all of our medications and surgical cone with plans for a long recovery but thankful for a second chance at life to enjoy together in our new home. Only after two short hours of being home, I again knew something wasn't right. Cujo couldn't sit still, wouldn't lie down, and started using his belly muscles to gasp for air. I quickly rushed him back to the ER only to find out that his lungs had refilled with air- he was experiencing another pneumothorax. The doctors emergently tapped his lungs again to remove 9L of air.
Cujo is currently back in the ICU. We are unsure of his outcome in the near future but pray his body can heal and he will be able to come home. The doctors are doing all they can to save him and are very hopeful that he will have a positive outcome. I am helping in making the best decisions for him by also ensuring he is not suffering.
I'm embarrassed to say, I need your help. I do not have health insurance for Cujo and am paying out of pocket for all of his health expenses. The cost has gotten too great that I can no longer afford to keep treating him but the doctors and I are not ready to give up. Please do not donate if you can not afford it but any small amount will help. Share this story with your friends if they are animal lovers. I know Cujo is not human but he holds all of my heart and is the best family member you could ask for.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. And please get health insurance for your pets to ensure you do not end up in a predicament like this.
Unfortunately, on our journey across country from Boston, MA to start a new life in Denver, CO, Cujo caught pneumonia. He was first diagnosed only a few short days after arriving to Denver but was showing slow improvements with the antibiotics helping in his recovery. One week into antibiotic treatment, Cujo was almost looking his usual self and was able to spend the day at Union reservoir chasing his beloved frisbee and swimming; just beginning to enjoy all that Colorado has to offer. Shockingly, Cujo awoke the next morning to have slightly labored breathing which continued to worsen throughout the day. That night, he woke me up with the bed convulsing from all the effort he was using to try and breath. As I watched my baby struggle for air, I knew things had taken a major turn for the worse.
After being rushed to the ER, Cujo was diagnosed with bilateral pneumothorax with an unknown cause that morning. The ER doctors emergently placed a large needle into his lungs to relieve the air that was causing pressure inside his chest cavity, preventing his own lungs to fill with oxygen. Unfortunately, his chest cavity quickly refilled with air and we knew that surgery would be the only option to save his life.
Cujo, being the strong, gentle giant that he is, powered through surgery like a champ. They found that his pneumonia had caused abscesses to form and one of those abscesses had ruptured, causing the air leak in his lungs. He underwent major surgery opening up his chest cavity with the removal of one of his lung lobes. Despite all this, he looked to be on his way to recovery and I couldn't have been happier to take him home from the ICU after being in the hospital for three long days.
Ecstatic, we traveled home with all of our medications and surgical cone with plans for a long recovery but thankful for a second chance at life to enjoy together in our new home. Only after two short hours of being home, I again knew something wasn't right. Cujo couldn't sit still, wouldn't lie down, and started using his belly muscles to gasp for air. I quickly rushed him back to the ER only to find out that his lungs had refilled with air- he was experiencing another pneumothorax. The doctors emergently tapped his lungs again to remove 9L of air.
Cujo is currently back in the ICU. We are unsure of his outcome in the near future but pray his body can heal and he will be able to come home. The doctors are doing all they can to save him and are very hopeful that he will have a positive outcome. I am helping in making the best decisions for him by also ensuring he is not suffering.
I'm embarrassed to say, I need your help. I do not have health insurance for Cujo and am paying out of pocket for all of his health expenses. The cost has gotten too great that I can no longer afford to keep treating him but the doctors and I are not ready to give up. Please do not donate if you can not afford it but any small amount will help. Share this story with your friends if they are animal lovers. I know Cujo is not human but he holds all of my heart and is the best family member you could ask for.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. And please get health insurance for your pets to ensure you do not end up in a predicament like this.
Organizer
Robin Teresa Trahan
Organizer
Denver, CO