In July of 2022, my partner and I adopted Gary from a local shelter at just under four month old. Gary was rescued from a dangerous living situation that left him with chemical burns along his back. The shelter treated his injuries and got him ready for a second chance at life. I still remember the little bald patches on the day we brought him home.
Gary has seen us through a lot in a short
amount of time. Difficult medical treatments, stressors at work,
mental health slumps, and fires (yes, multiple. No, we didn't start
them). Life might not have been kind to him at the start, but you
would never know it now. This dog loves people, and is always ready to
say hello when asked. His excited tail wags at the approach of a
friendly face can lift even the most sour of moods. He's my little
alarm clock, my accountability buddy, and the best boy.
Late last year, he began developing a
limp that would not go away. When rest and medication failed, we took
him for x-rays and ultimately a CT scan to determine the cause. Not
even three years old, he was diagnosed with medial compartment
disease, more commonly known as elbow dysplasia. If you're like me and
unfamiliar with the term until recently, it involves a loss of
cartilage in the joint of the elbow. Left untreated, this could become
a painful arthritis, deeply impacting his quality of life.
At the time of diagnosis, the doctor recommended medication and rest, which eased his condition. This month, it resurfaced in his opposite side, prompting the doctor to recommend a scope of both elbows. This procedure will allow them to remove any bits of ground up cartilage and other material that is causing him pain and discomfort. While we were able to swing the first round of x-rays, appointments, anesthesia and scans, this next step is much steeper than I or my partner are really prepared for. We're fortunate to have pet insurance to help repay part of the estimated $8,994 bill. But even after coverage, we are on the hook for around $2,700 out of pocket for this procedure before any incidental costs.
We have scheduled surgery for July 8th. One way or another, we owe him a life without daily pain and lost mobility. Crowdfunding was never my first choice. I try to not burden others when things don't go according to plan. But his needs overrule that. This dog adores everyone. He's known throughout the neighborhood for his cheerful disposition, enthusiastic greetings, and unconditional joy. Help us get our boy up and running again.
