Charlie's Emergency Surgery Costs

My name is Mindy, and today I took my puggle and best friend Charlie to the Vet for what I thought were symptoms of a canine U.T.I. It was discovered that she has pyometra (an infection in her uterus, which cannot be resolved through medication alone and requires removal of her uterus). An emergency surgery was the best option with consideration to the pain and distress Charlie was in, and to prevent worsening and reoccurring symptoms and sickness. Upon hearing the estimate my first instinct was to call around for more cost efficient options, but it didn't take long to realise that cheaper didn't mean better care for my furry friend, anywhere considered reputable didn't have openings in the time frame I required (which was 48 hours or less) and not everyone offered adequate aftercare which for an older dog I greatly valued. The decision meant the best immediate treatment for Charlie, but also left me with a loan of $7000 through a third party provider. The funds raised will be to help me pay down that balance as quickly as possible, and avoid greater interest charges.

Charlie is intact, so a lot of the beginning symptoms matched her period. I much like many first time pet owners, was young and naive when I got Charlie 10 years ago. I wasn't educated enough to know that spaying didn't just mean avoiding puppies and heat cycles, but in her later years helped avoid infections and complications. I can't go back in time, but I chose to do everything I could in this time to get her the care she deserves. She has been so good to me for a full decade, and has helped me through the toughest parts of my journey into adulthood. Charlie firmly believes that any problem can be solved through cuddles and cookies, and I just wish that were the case for the surgery expenses.

I realise life is expensive and times are tough for everyone across the board. Anything at this point really does help.

I will be taking on extra bike repairs, as well as any additional odds and ends jobs I can to help pay for this balance. I hope that future pet owners can learn from my experience. Thanks for taking the time to read.