Cav Emergency Trachea Surgery

Early yesterday evening (12/2) while we were working in the barn, our sweetest, best boy, Cav, placed himself squarely between his family and danger. Cav sensed what his humans did not, and took to the perimeter of our larger pasture to chase off what we now know was a coyote that was making its way toward horses, his brudder pups, and his people. Despite the intensity of the fight, and his life-threatening injuries, Cav tracked back to the house in a way that led the predator away from us—his own needs be damned. It was immediately clear once he came into view that something was terribly wrong, and Cav was taken to the stand alone ER Vet Clinic in Ocala. We knew there were multiple lacerations and punctures, and his breathing was labored and wheezy, but unsure of the cause and severity. After several hours and excellent care and bedside manner, it was explained to us that Cav sustained a two-inch tear in his trachea, emphysema, and separation of the skin and tissue from the muscles on his face, as well as deep scratches and puncture wounds across his entire body.

This dog should not be alive, much less have the wherewithal to divert the danger and make it home.

we have NO PRIDE in this matter. We are so thankful and grateful for the amazing doctors and staff that worked tirelessly on him from 7pm to 4am.

his prognosis increases SIGNIFICANTLY if he’s able to have a tracheal resection surgery in Gainesville.

if puppy kisses were dollar bills and the love of a damn good dog were a commodity, most of us would be kings.

Please help us show Cav the same selflessness and protection he showed us last night.

The money raised will help fund the surgery and necessary aftercare to get him back to tail wagging, ball chasing, and bossing around his siblings.