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FIRST THE HOUSE KEEPING (Who is Holly's Hope)
Founded in 2012, Holly's Hope was inspired by a rescued doberman named Holly. She was one of those special dogs who changed lives - especially mine. When she passed away at 11.5 yrs old, Holly's Hope, was founded in her name - to raise funds for animals in need. Since its inception, we have consistently raised funds for animals in need with proceeds supporting 12 Ontario Farm Sanctuaries, SBF Primate Sanctuary, as well as organizations, shelters and rescues including: Pilots N' Paws, PNPC Wings of Canadian Rescue, IFAW's Northern Dogs Project, Toronto Animal Services, Tyson N Friends, English Bulldogs Rescue of Ontario, Big On Beagles, Speaking of Dogs, and several individual animals in need. Our last 2 campaigns for individual animals raised $4200.00 and $3500 for dogs who, with your help, received much needed surgeries and both are living happy, healthy lives because of people like you, who care.
AND NOW, we are COMPELLED to raise money for a great big loving boy who deserves a pain free life
- BYRON-
Who is Byron? And Why does he need our help?
Lord Byron (also known simply as Byron, BB or B) - has a lot of friends and a lot of fans. Plainly put, he is beloved by many. He is also a very well known, (and very important) member of the staff at Pet Valu (Kensington Market, Toronto) and supportive partner to it's co-manager, Jessica. Weighing in at average of 135 pounds, with his laid back nature, his "lean-ins" for support and his prompting of butt rubs, Byron always manages to win over, and put at ease, those who may otherwise be afraid of larger dogs. He is, quite simply, the ultimate charmer.
Recently, however, Byron has been having some medical issues that are causing him a lot of pain, and causing Jess a lot of worry. He has developed what Jess refers to as “old man” lumps that having been popping up in his body. He developed a hard one on his neck that began to swell rapidly over the holiday weekend, accompanied by a large amount of loose fluid that was "sloshing around" the side of his face and down his neck. Byron was taken to the vet and had it aspirated, but the doctors had difficulty pulling adequate samples. The hard lump was filled with pus and the fluid in his face was clear. Test results indicated that it was a bacterial infection - possibly from some sort of trauma or a foreign body. The clear fluid was a cyst like substance. The doctors put him on antibiotics. His face continued to swell and Jess had to take him back to get it aspirated again, as the fluid was filling his ear and across his forehead to his eyes. The vets took more samples for a culture test, ran all the blood work, testing for all possibilities such as Lyme disease, but all came back negative. Because Byron's liver count was slightly raised, he couldn’t be prescribed anti inflammatory medication. He’s currently on a number of drugs including gabapentin to make him more comfortable. Although the drugs are making him a bit groggy - they have not deterred him from getting excited for treats and seeing his friends - so that's the good news.
What the Doctors Say:
While the swelling has (at this moment of writing this) thankfully gone down in his face and ears, the vet has advised surgery to have a drainage tube put in due to the fluid build up in his neck. His surgery date has not been confirmed yet, as the doctors are awaiting the culture results to determine the best course of action and further medications required for him.
How can we help?
The obvious answer to this is - financially. With all the tests, aspirations, and medications thus far, the bills are mounting. With the addition of the recommended surgery, Byron's hospital bills will reach $3500. There will also be requisite follow up appointments, and further medication. One thing i know for certain, is that when many people pitch in, a little goes a long way to helping an animal (and their person) in need of support. I am asking for your help. If you could donate whatever amount is affordable for you, that would be very greatly appreciated.
For those who are financially unable to donate to Byron's care, you can still help, by sharing his story, and posting this fundraiser to your social media pages, or sharing with friends who you think may be able to contribute. Those actions are also very valuable and very much appreciated.
Together we can make a difference for Byron and for Jess. I sincerely hope you will join me in making this easier for for both of them.
Some fun facts about Byron:
He is a "pack man". When you're in his pack he considers it his personal duty to keep you safe - especially his grandma. He always keeps an extra close eye on her, despite her fear of larger dogs. She is one of his favorite people in the whole world & he will face down his biggest fears - like getting into a car- to be with her. It’s not hard to become a member of his pack - simply look at him, and say, “What a handsome boy!” - then watch that tail start wagging - You’re in!
He has a lot of friends.
He works at Pet Valu
About Jess and her relationship with Byron:
First i must say that i know Jess, and i came to know her because she is a compassionate and caring person. I was a customer for a long time at Pet Valu - before she was a manager. I would see her from time to time with her beautiful Byron, holding court behind the counter. Then one day, i was photographing an anti BSL rally, and Jess and Byron were among the first to show up, to be there for the dogs who needed our voices. It was the first of many times i would photograph Byron (and his mom). Jessica and her co-manager Annie, welcomed Holly's Hope year after year into their store - hosting Holly's Hope Photos with Santa event, helping us to raise money for shelters. Byron has modeled jewelry and graced our annual calendar - all in efforts to raise money for other animals.
Let me tell you in Jess's own words what Byron means to her:
You know what he is to me, my whole entire world and reason for being. Going through this has been unbearable and terrifying. He keeps me sane, whole, calm, loved, needed, supported, confident, he’s given me everything I’ve ever needed to happy, he's given me all of himself and I wouldn’t be here today without him. He pushes me to be better & to do better. He’s not a perfect boy and i love that about him. We both have our faults and we work on them everyday together. I also love him to bits. . I will spend all my money if that’s what it takes to keep him safe, but being a diabetic, I still need something left for my own medication, so any help would be greatly appreciated.
Let's make a greetings wall:
If you're donating to Byron and want to post a photo here, send it to hollyshopeforanimalsinneed@gmail.com and i'll post your photo with your message to Byron and Jess. If you prefer e-transfer you may also send directly to Holly's Hope at this address. Thank you for helping out. You can make a difference!
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