Priscilla the new puppy needs a miracle

[tlbwriter]

Have you considered going to a veterinary school at a local university. My cocker spaniel had to have her eye balls removed due to cancer and the LSU Vet School was reasonable and very good. Good luck with the pup!

Our nearby vet school is actually more expensive than local vets, and I've been told that's common, because they don't want to compete with their own graduates. However, they are likely to offer some kind of payment plan.

 

[SandrA9810]

When my doggie was still around, I found a really nice vet for her when we were in Ft Lauderdale and then another in Orlando. But when it came to really big stuff, they wanted to charge an arm and a leg. Through talking with some friends and co-workers, one of them helped out with the SPCA in Lakeland, which is about an hours drive from Orlando. Because the cancer was growing so fast, and her age, there wasn't much to be done for her. But their office visits and fees were a lot more reasonable. I also drove her back there for the final time because of how impressed I was with their care for her.

You might want to look into them too, and search surrounding cities. The Orlando SPCA wasn't as nice or had the facilities to take care of her.

 

[EllenFrasier]

I had to remove the link because on her blog she had a link to a site called chipin that was helping her raise funds for her puppy....didn't want to break any dis rules. We don't have the surgery scheduled right now as the vet we took her to quoted us almost 3500 ...a lot out of the budget range right now....we're working on some creative solutions

Didn't read the other replies, but do you have any veterinary colleges near you? Cornell is not far from us and when my Dalmatian had problems with a skin disorder, I sent him there for testing and they found some medication to try to help him. Perhaps they will do the surgery cheaper as a good learning experience for the future vets? It's worth looking into.

 

[castmemberb4]

While you're checking around for Vets check with a local rescue to see who they work with, it's how I found my wonderful vet. If a vet is willing to donate time to a rescue they are usually caring and compassionate.

How wonderful that her teacher is giving her extra credit, it shows
a great interest in her job and caring for her students that she's willing to find something the student is interested in doing that she can use as a learnign tool. Wish someone had understood ADD when I was in school.

 

[mamamary]

I had to remove the link because on her blog she had a link to a site called chipin that was helping her raise funds for her puppy....didn't want to break any dis rules. We don't have the surgery scheduled right now as the vet we took her to quoted us almost 3500 ...a lot out of the budget range right now....we're working on some creative solutions

Baxter's surgery was over $2,000 and that didn't include before and after x-rays. I looked into pricing and the prices were similar. Just want to add that Baxter was only a grade 2 so nowhere near as bad as your grade 4.

 

[Ceila]

sorry you feel that way...she spent hours on the blog and most of her school day as well (her teacher did give her some help)....and with spell check it does wonders. Her thought process has never been the issue...her learning difficulty is with spelling when she uses the computer it all comes together for her. She got the puppy from a local family (not a "breeder" in the classic sense)...I did remove the link as I forgot she had a link to her other site....my bad....and I do mean that I feel horrible that someone would think that....on the BRIGHT SIDE I have gotten some GREAT advise here today...I have called some other vets as well as the vet school and am being told that we should be able to get this done for much less than the fancy high priced big city vet and we should be able to make payments. THIS advise is why I came to the DIS...because sometimes we can't see the forest for the trees....who else has been there done that...am I getting ripped off with this quote...can someone ENCOURAGE my daughter (I'm the mom I have to say nice things) Sarah will start a job this weekend cleaning horse stalls to earn the money as well as a garage sale the following weekend...she is being responsible for her puppy. the link on her blog is for family and friends....

If you really came here just for advice, I'm wondering why you've posted so many details on how to find the blog (that has a link to get people to donate money).

 

[bubblemom]

again did not mean to sound like we were looking for donations here, a fellow dis'er that I am friends with on facebook suggested I post a link...looks like we both missed her "link" in her blog being against the rules...shouldn't have done it...removed it....It was a friend who suggested she blog about her puppy and she if her FRIENDS AND FAMILY who are FAR FLUNG could help her....I was just so excited that a fellow dis'er liked her blog and said to share it knowing that there are animal lovers here who might want to follow her journey....
and yes part of that journey is how a 15 year old can be creative and earn it somehow themselves!!!!!!!

Her learning disability is in the area of spelling and math by the way...she loves to read and she LOVES to write...before the computer...you couldn't read a word...now with grammer/spell check she can get her ideas across!!

If I had a credit card to put it on I would...but I'm a single mom who gets the basics done, almost lost the house last year but harvested our trees on our land, paid everything off and closed all the cards...never want to be in that mess again!! Can't get care credit cause the credit is shot having been out of work for a year..thats my dirty laundry..it happens...to ALOT of us...I know I'm not alone in that one. Things are looking up for us because I am within my budget now...
I have an appointment with a vet about two hours away tomorrow who tells me they will not be nearly as expensive as the fancy Portland vet and they will take payments. This is because of kind DISers who said to call around...I was so distraught over the original bill I couldn't even fathom it be lower somewhere else.
Taking care of Sarah's emotional health and the puppy is all the stress I need right now.
When she started her blog yesterday she became so hopeful, she felt like she was doing something!!! One post led to another....it just flowed from her...she spent HOURS working on it. In fact in her room right now is another rough draft that she must have worked on after I sent her to bed.

I just wanted to share that hope and her journey with others who might understand her feelings...and for her to get some positive feedback from others like some of you on here who have had the same problem with their furry babies....that it can be fixed and you don't have to go bankrupt to fix it...cause right now she feels like she is going to have to put her baby down (cause that was basically the only other option the high priced vet gave us) So again to my fellow DIS blogmates...thank you for giving me some options on what to do.....I have spent the day on the phone making calls and am hopeful that this vet in Astoria will be able to help our little "Cilla"
I am truly sorry I offended the skeptics

 

[laurie31]

Frist I wanted to remind people that LOTS of people don't know the difference between a backyard breeder and a professional breeder. I'm not sure I did before I came here, and we rescue dogs. I just never thought about it. I just thought dogs either came from a pet store (bad), a breeder (someone who bred the dog -whether they were qualified to do so or not), or a shelter/rescue. I know the difference now, but I'm not sure my kids would.

Anyway, to the OP - good luck with your doggie! It sounds like you have more options than you first thought. I will mention this as well, and I hope it doesn't sound heartless or cruel, just something to consider as a Plan B (or maybe Plan C or D). I have known many 3 legged dogs, and they not only have a good quality of life, but they didn't seem to realize they were disabled. They could run and jump like any other dog. If things don't work out, and the dog should lose her leg, it's not as horrible as it sounds. She can still live a long and happy life. I hope it doesn't come to that though, I just wanted to bring it up, just in case. I hope she is able to have the surgery she needs to fix her knee.

 

[louey]

again did not mean to sound like we were looking for donations here, a fellow dis'er that I am friends with on facebook suggested I post a link...looks like we both missed her "link" in her blog being against the rules...shouldn't have done it...removed it....It was a friend who suggested she blog about her puppy and she if her FRIENDS AND FAMILY who are FAR FLUNG could help her....I was just so excited that a fellow dis'er liked her blog and said to share it knowing that there are animal lovers here who might want to follow her journey....
and yes part of that journey is how a 15 year old can be creative and earn it somehow themselves!!!!!!!

Her learning disability is in the area of spelling and math by the way...she loves to read and she LOVES to write...before the computer...you couldn't read a word...now with grammer/spell check she can get her ideas across!!

If I had a credit card to put it on I would...but I'm a single mom who gets the basics done, almost lost the house last year but harvested our trees on our land, paid everything off and closed all the cards...never want to be in that mess again!! Can't get care credit cause the credit is shot having been out of work for a year..thats my dirty laundry..it happens...to ALOT of us...I know I'm not alone in that one. Things are looking up for us because I am within my budget now...
I have an appointment with a vet about two hours away tomorrow who tells me they will not be nearly as expensive as the fancy Portland vet and they will take payments. This is because of kind DISers who said to call around...I was so distraught over the original bill I couldn't even fathom it be lower somewhere else.
Taking care of Sarah's emotional health and the puppy is all the stress I need right now.
When she started her blog yesterday she became so hopeful, she felt like she was doing something!!! One post led to another....it just flowed from her...she spent HOURS working on it. In fact in her room right now is another rough draft that she must have worked on after I sent her to bed.

I just wanted to share that hope and her journey with others who might understand her feelings...and for her to get some positive feedback from others like some of you on here who have had the same problem with their furry babies....that it can be fixed and you don't have to go bankrupt to fix it...cause right now she feels like she is going to have to put her baby down (cause that was basically the only other option the high priced vet gave us) So again to my fellow DIS blogmates...thank you for giving me some options on what to do.....I have spent the day on the phone making calls and am hopeful that this vet in Astoria will be able to help our little "Cilla"
I am truly sorry I offended the skeptics

Sorry about your daughters puppy, I didn't read the blog mostly just your posts. Honestly I wouldn't put the puppy down for something that can be fixed. If it turns out that you are unable to afford the surgery please contact a rescue, they may even be able to help steer you to a vet that would cost less or even take the puppy? My rescued Cavalier King Charles had surgery for luxating patellas and I received a copy of the bill that the rescue paid before I even adopted her, this was 4 years ago but it was alot less than what you are being quoted. Good luck I hope it all turns out for the puppy

 

[GinnyEmma]

Sometimes you just can't afford something. Begging from strangers is not cool.

 

[nathalee81]

Frist I wanted to remind people that LOTS of people don't know the difference between a backyard breeder and a professional breeder. I'm not sure I did before I came here, and we rescue dogs. I just never thought about it. I just thought dogs either came from a pet store (bad), a breeder (someone who bred the dog -whether they were qualified to do so or not), or a shelter/rescue. I know the difference now, but I'm not sure my kids would.

Anyway, to the OP - good luck with your doggie! It sounds like you have more options than you first thought. I will mention this as well, and I hope it doesn't sound learless or cruel, just something to consider as a Plan B (or maybe Plan C or D). I have known many 3 legged dogs, and they not only have a good quality of life, but they didn't seem to realize they were disabled. They could run and jump like any other dog. If things don't work out, and the dog should lose her leg, it's not as horrible as it sounds. She can still live a long and happy life. I hope it doesn't come to that though, I just wanted to bring it up, just in case. I hope she is able to have the surgery she needs to fix her knee.

Owner of a three legged dog here. We adopted him with three legs, the rescue we adopted him from had to have his leg removed because someone shot him. He gets along just fine. One of the vets that saw him said that dogs are born with "three and a spare".

OP, I sincerely hope you find a way to help the little pup.

Also, sorry, I have to get on my soapbox here for a minute. Please, please, please, before you get a pet, consider adopting from a shelter or a rescue. I, too, have worked in rescue and the "backyard breeders" are the worst. They usually don't take care of the poor animals they are breeding and then sell the puppies for hundreds of dollars. Then, when the animal can no longer breed they abandon it. While you can never guarantee the heath of an animal (even animals from rescues and shelters can get sick), at least you will be adopting a animal that is already neutered/spayed (never adopt from a rescue that doesn't neuter/spay) and up to date on their shots. And, usually, a rescue will try to work with you (at least the ones I was involved in) if an animal gets sick within a certain time period of adoption. Sorry, will get off my soapbox now. Sorry to hijack this thread, too. I've just seen the product of these "backyard breeders" and it just makes me so upset.

 

[TanyaLovesPooh]

Wow..I didn't see that the OP asked anyone for anything except maybe some encouragement.

We took our Bichon to a local university vet school and got his back surgery for half price and they took amazing care of him. That is always an option. I wish the best for your daughter and her puppy.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

This seems "too good to be true." While the OP may be genuine, she certainly seemed to hit a lot of the hot buttons: disabled daughter dealing with a death, cute defenseless animal, father overseas.I have never seen this poster on the boards before, and now she comes here with this sob story and a link to a blog that asks for donations.

OP, I'm sorry if you are legit, but I have to admit, my "hinky meter" as a pp put it is going off as well. If you are legit, good luck to you and your daughter. When you adopt an animal, you need to be ready for the financial responsibility that entails.

Our vets around here use a plan (I think it might be called CARE) that is basically a credit line provided by an outside company. And of course, there are always credit cards. While not the best option, they may be able to help you out in a tight spot if you are careful.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

My vet keeps their costs down by not taking credit cards or other plans at all. They take cash or checks only. So its not unheard of for a vet not to take credit cards. Good luck OP. I hope your puppy can get fixed.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

My vet keeps their costs down by not taking credit cards or other plans at all. They take cash or checks only. So its not unheard of for a vet not to take credit cards. Good luck OP. I hope your puppy can get fixed.

I don't know a single vet around here that doesn't take credit cards.

I feel for the OP if all is true (I like to believe people are honest), it is tough to swallow a big expense that one wasn't expecting, but it's part of proper financial planning too. I understand that the dog is good therapy for the child, but before venturing down the pet ownership road, one should be sure to have money to afford some of the unexpected things in life, including a health or emergency issue with the pet.

I struggle with people that get a pet, but then don't take care of them or when something happens that injures or hurts the animal they just give up and put them down, instead of trying to heal them (of course quality of life needs to be considered). Dogs in particular are not cheap animals. That means, not feeding them the "Walmart" special dog food, taking them in for all their regular check-ups and shots. Keeping them groomed (most of this can be done at home if you're comfortable giving your dog a bath, clipping nails and brushing teeth) and of course safe.

 

[Magic Mom]

Call me skeptical but this sounds like someone might be looking for donations from DISers to help with the "dog" she did or didn't get from a breeder that needs an expensive surgery that her daughter, who has a hard time with writting, blogs about in several well written posts in one day...etc, etc, etc.

If true, my apologies, but my hinky meter is going off.

You're not he only one.

 

[Polyluvr]

I have to say I know this woman from Fb and I was the ONE who suggested she post it here~
I thought and know there are a bunch of kind, good hearted people here on the DIS who might be willing to help a good cause

I guess I have nothing else to say~

Some people should remember that if you don't have anything nice to say~ you just shouldn't say anything !

 

[GinnyEmma]

I have to say I know this woman from Fb and I was the ONE who suggested she post it here~
I thought and know there are a bunch of kind, good hearted people here on the DIS who might be willing to help a good cause

I guess I have nothing else to say~

Some people should remember that if you don't have anything nice to say~ you just shouldn't say anything !

And some peep should remember that there are rules about fund raising for good reason. Begging from strangers is beyond tacky.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I have to say I know this woman from Fb and I was the ONE who suggested she post it here~
I thought and know there are a bunch of kind, good hearted people here on the DIS who might be willing to help a good cause

I guess I have nothing else to say~

Some people should remember that if you don't have anything nice to say~ you just shouldn't say anything !

We're not trying to be mean. But when somebody we've never seen before comes here with a sob story and posts a website with a fundraising link in flagrant violations of the rules, your radar can't help but go off. I don't see anything wrong with voicing those concerns because I would hate for some kindhearted soul on the site to get taken in by a scam. If this is legit, I feel sorry for her, but I don't think that asking people on a board she's never really been to for advice (or donations) is the way to go. There's no connection to this board. Why here? Why now?

 

[TheBigBadWolf]

My advice is don't go with the cheapest vet. Go with the best vet you can find. I recommend your university vet school do the surgery. Repairing a luxating patella is not an simple task and there is no way I would trust some run of the mill vet to operate on my dog's knee. This is a common problem in toy breeds and you need to get on (any) toy dogs forum and ask for referrals from people in your area/state who have had this surgery done on their dogs. A good toy breed site is YorkieTalk dot com. You or your DD could do a search on that site and find many posts on luxating patella surgeries.

I have found university vet schools to be as reasonably priced as most veterinarians, and many will let you pay out the surgery if you have good credit. Your dog will get the best care possible, and hopefully the surgery will repair the knee once and for all.