Hey, my name is Andrew, and my buddy Oberon needs some help.

Ever since I first brought him home back in 2015, Oberon has been my constant companion and sidekick.  He comes everywhere with me, and he's beloved wherever we go in northern Maryland.  Whether he's riding in a shopping cart at Lowes, sleeping under my desk, skittering through the engine bay at the fire department, or sneaking a roll off someone's plate at a potluck, he's been the best dog - and friend - a schlub like me could ask for. 

I just wish his health was as pure as his heart.  He's come up on some serious medical issues, and the costs of medical care have reached a breaking point.  We need your help.

What started as an sudden inability to walk has spiraled into a multi-stage health crisis.  Our initial diagnostics found two major issues; a herniated disc putting pressure on the spinal column, and an overactive parathyroid dumping large amounts of calcium into his bloodstream, and, by extension, body.  We decided to start with the spine injury, and he had a successful back surgery.  The next day he was rearing and ready to go, moving better than he had in months.  He did not appreciate the mandatory bed rest he was prescribed, but during his recovery he did great - until his parathyroid went berserk.  Suddenly his calcium levels were so high we were at risk of losing him.

We rushed him to emergency surgery and the tremendous team at PETS in Lancaster was able to not only successfully remove the offending parathyroid, but they found other issues within that needed imminent attention.  He was recovering nicely from the second set of surgeries when his calcium plummted.  His parathyroid was so overactive the other parathyroids had gone somewhat dormant, so his calcium levels became dangerously low.  The bitter irony; the thing that was killing him in excess was now threatening him in its absence.  We again had to rush him to the hospital, where he currently rests, getting medical attention in an effort to stabilize and encourage his body to take back control.

Which is where we're at now.  His hospital bill is tremendous.  We've fought and will continue to fight for his health, but we need your help. 

While we continue working with our insurance company about his back surgery (get pet insurance on day 1, people!), his parathyroid/compound surgery and aftercare is reaching, as of time of writing this, nearly $20,000.  All-in with total surgery and aftercare costs, we are around $30,000.  Once we can stabilize his calcium, he should be on a road to a good recovery.  The doctors at PETS need more time with him, but their time comes at a cost.

We are seeking help from family, friends, and the kindness of strangers.  Oberon - Obie - is my boy, and he's my best friend.  I won't give up on him, and he will get better.  These surgeries have a positive prognosis, and his quality of life will improve tremendously, potentially adding years back to his life.  I just need help.  I am not one to ask for help; stubborn pride, I suppose.

But for Oberon, I will.

Every little bit helps, and whatever you are able to give I will take with a heart filled with gratitude for your kindness and consideration.  And if you're unable to donate, please feel free to share this campaign with your friends and family!  More hands makes less work.  20,000 people donating a dollar is an immensely powerful gift.  A big thank you to my sister-in-law Heena for helping me set up this fundraiser.  I couldn't have done it without you.

So please, in whatever way you can, help me help my best friend.