Michael Beck

I first rescued Luna when she was 6 months old and I was 20 years old, and from the moment she nuzzled up into my arms, she became my constant companion. For 8 years, she’s been my road dog – and truly my best friend through thick and thin. We’ve traveled many miles together and made countless memories along the way. Luna has a gentle soul and an uncanny ability to sense when I’m down, always nudging me with her nose or resting her head on my lap to comfort me. She isn’t just a pet; she’s family. A few days ago, I discovered an odd crackling sensation while checking her abdomen. Luna had quickly progressed into lethargy and was seemingly aging extremely fast. After feeling what I assumed was an obstruction inside of her, I rushed her to the vet right away. The diagnosis was terrifying: her bladder was filled to the brim with stones, nearly 100 stones in total, weighing about 1.25 pounds altogether. Her poor bladder had swollen to several times its normal size, and the doctors said surgery was the only option to save her life. I was so afraid of losing her, but I knew we had to act immediately and give her that chance. Thankfully, Luna pulled through the emergency surgery like a little champ. The veterinary team removed every single stone from her bladder. (I’ve included an X-ray image that shows Luna’s bulging bladder before surgery, as well as a photo of the 1.25-pound bag of stones that came out of her – it’s shocking to see how much she was carrying inside!) It’s a relief to know that those painful stones are gone, and I’m beyond grateful that my girl is now on the road to recovery. While I’m relieved that Luna is safe and healing, her urgent treatment came with a hefty and unplanned cost. The surgery, medications, and hospital care have resulted in multiple vet bills that are still stacking up. Currently, the bills have reached $2,916. I had to pay out-of-pocket to get her the life-saving care she needed, which was a no-brainer. Luna to me is priceless; however, it will definitely be a difficult financial storm I must navigate. Now I’m reaching out to fellow animal lovers, friends, and kind strangers for help covering these expenses. Anything you can contribute will go directly toward Luna’s veterinary bills and follow-up care, ensuring that she continues to recover comfortably. If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing Luna’s story with others who might be able to help. Luna has given me so much unconditional love and companionship over the years – I’m just trying to give her the best life in return. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read about Luna and for any support you can provide. Together, we can get her back on her paws and healthy again.