Bolin's Vet Bills

Bolin is currently at home and he is happy to be there. We're so glad he pushed through what we think is the worst of the virus and is at home, eating, drinking and also on medication. His fight isn't over and he can't make any new doggie friends for a while, but we're so glad Bolin's health is getting better with each day.


We need your help for Bolin to fight Parvovirus, a serious viral infection that claims the lives of many beloved pets, sometimes without the owners even understanding what's happening.

It is most harmful for younger puppies and older dogs as it affects their ability to take in nutrients and retain fluids.

We've only known Bolin healthy for about 2 days, while the virus was doing it's work unbenknownst to us. When he started getting sick, we desperately hoped that it wasn't anything serious. We already love the pup and would love to have him in our lives much longer.

Bolin's History:
We were searching for a puppy to add to our new home and found Elaine, selling a Boston Terrier & Beagle mix in Crampton, Ontario. 

We drove the 166 km from Toronto to Crampton to see the pups in person. From the pictures we saw, we had picked a favourite:  A male with some white and brown markings on his face and a disposition that seemed like it would suit our home and lifestyle.

We had already decided to call him Bolin even before we arrived.

The bright eyed one on the left. What a dogpile!

Seeing him with his litter-mates made us think twice about which one to pick, but in the end, we drove home with the one we already picked, a cute brown pup, named Bolin.

We picked him up; along with a package of food he was already eating to ease him into a diet at his new home. Loaded up the car, paid Elaine and drove off with a new member of our small family. Little did we know this little pup would steal our hearts unquestionably and completely.


Our little Bolin was more than we had asked for, loving, sweet and cuddly, with the cutest puppy dog eyes to give you whenever he wanted. We introduced him to our online friends and family and sent pictures of Bolin to all our loved ones, and they couldn’t wait to meet him.

Everything was great the first day and we had an eventful second day playing with him around the house, and having him meet the family that visited.


Realizing something was wrong:
We started getting concerned in the morning of the next day when he would not eat or drink. We thought it was just him missing his brothers and sisters and his old home. We monitored him and were hesitant to leave him alone due to his sudden change.

During the day, we played with him and let him sleep as we worked on various chores around the house. Each time he woke up, he seemed more tired than the last. Bolin would look around, then slowly fall back asleep.
He was listless and lethargic by the afternoon and we were very worried and watched him even closer.


In the evening, he started vomiting bile. We tried to ensure he drank water but after a few minutes, he would just throw it all up. We decided to start making vet appointments and making some chicken broth and rice to get something substantial in him as he hadn't eaten.

He still wouldn't eat, and puked more when suddenly, he had diarrhea. When he started having bloody diarrhea, we immediately bundled him up and took him to the emergency clinic instead of waiting for an appointment.

The Parvovirus infection
Dr. Kathy Alcock broke the news to us at 5:30 AM.
Bolin tested positive for a parvovirus infection and it was really affecting him. 
The vet had used the bloody stool on the thermometer to check up on poor Bolin.

I held his small head in my hands and kept telling him while looking in his eyes that “everything was going to be okay, --- It’s okay.” Something I wanted to desperately believe myself.
He would just stare back at me and slowly again fall into listlessness and close his eyes.


We decided with the advice and guidance of Dr. Alcock, to keep Bolin under the care and watch of the Willowdale Animal Hospital staff.

Initial costs outlined to us for 24 hours of care was around $1,350. 
We were in shock about how much it was going to cost, and how short a time we had Bolin for.

We explored various treatment options and regrettably, the option to put him down.
We talked about the drugs that were to be used and the course of treatment and realized we all really want what’s best for Bolin.
We put down a deposit and got the care started for him.

Action Plan and Treatment
The costs for caring for Bolin have so far included: cerenia for reducing vomiting, baytril, metronidazole and ampicillin for bacterial infections, clavaseptin, metoclopramide for gastroesophageal reflux, famotidine for preventing ulcers, and voluven as a volume expander. 



We are giving what we can and are working closely with the doctor to figure out the best course of action for our puppy. We are also selling some of our electronics, aquarium plants and freshwater shrimps which proceeds go towards Bolin's treatment.

Parvovirus, Vaccinations and Care:
We'd like to spread the message on prevention of this and other preventable illnesses to other beloved pets and the importance of immunization and regular vet check-ups.
For more info on Parvovirus, click the following links: 
Canine Parvovirus FAQ 
PET OWNER'S GUIDE TO: Parvovirus  

Warm Thank Yous and Cuddles from Bo'

Thank you all for reading and your support. When Bolin is all better, we'd love to see you and give you all a personal thanks.


Additional Donations:
Any additional proceeds in excess of providing medicine and rehabiliation of Bolin will be donated to the clinic he is being taken care of, Willowdale Animal Hospital  and the Toronto Humane Society.