Hi there,
This is super embarassing but I need help paying for a vet bill.
Last May, I rescued a dog from the side of the road while on my way home from work nearing midnight. I work shift work with developmentally different youth and often am returning home from work late. I saw / heard this puppy being kicked by a man in mental crisis and couldn’t escape as he was tied to a post. It had seemed he had been there for a while based on how dirty / unclean he looked, as well as the area around him. I managed to scare off the man (and call 911 to get him the appropriate help), and then I took the puppy home. He shook the entire way home and slept in my bathroom that night. He was only calm when my hand was under the door so, that’s where I slept; on the floor outside my bathroom with my hand under the door.
I took him to the vet the next day and had him scanned for a microchip – nothing. No tags, either. I sent pictures to shelters juuuuuust incase he had been stolen and someone was looking for him.
10 months later, no one has claimed him and he is now legally mine! His name is Spencer and he is just the sweetest boy. He’s gentle and amazing with other dogs and children. he even comes to work with me sometimes as I work with developmentally different youth – it’s enriching for both Spencer and the children!
I’ve been keeping up with all routine vet work and I have been ensuring he has all preventative health care recommended by vets. I have also been diligently working with trainers for trauma-sensitive dog training and crate training as his separation anxiety is quite severe. The pandemic likely hasn’t helped with this as I know it’s hindered many dogs ability to handle separation.
That said, due to how he has acted in the home when left alone (urinates, defecates, and destructive behaviour) he was left in the crate with camera supervision so that my partner or I can monitor him. He’s never calm, often whimpers, and sometimes pees in the crate.
Last week, he broke a canine tooth while in his crate. I have discussed at length with an emergency vet and a behaviour specialist about a behaviour modification plan moving forward – I will no longer be using a crate and am trying a low dose of anti-anxiety medication for him. I DO NOT want him harming himself – it isn’t worth keeping my floor clean. He seems to be doing okay with the medication – he still urinates in the apartment, but has stopped destroying things since starting the medication.
Spencer saw the vet today regarding the broken tooth and the estimate for his dental work is $1600 – $2500… and that is after the $507.37 vet bill I paid for this morning’s visit. This is far beyond my immediate means. I can post the estimate for the dental work so that you all may see what I’ve been given by the vet.
Im desperately in need of support in looking after my boy. Please consider helping. He’s such a gentle soul and deserves a long healthy life.
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sckier