Cleo's Health and Happiness Fund

My boyfriend Noah and I are raising funds to assist in covering our 4 year old American Bully Cleo's veterinary expenses.

From the moment Noah brought Cleo into our lives, she has been nothing short of a miracle. Though I wasn't initially keen on having a pet, Cleo's gentle nature and undeniable charm quickly melted away any reservations I had. Cleo isn't just a dog; she's a radiant presence, filling every corner of our home with joy and warmth.

Noah found his soul dog in Cleo, and for me, she has been a source of comfort during the toughest times. Her boundless affection and unwavering loyalty helped me through moments that seemed impossible without her by my side.

Watching Cleo play with her toys or frolic in the yard, chasing squirrels with endless enthusiasm, it's impossible not to be captivated by her infectious happiness. But her favorite moments are the quiet ones, curled up with Noah, sharing cuddles that fill the room with love.

At the lake, Cleo transforms into a water-loving adventurer, diving into the waves with the spirit of a true water baby. And her quirky habits, like sitting on the couch to watch TV—especially her favorite show, Planet Earth—or even joining Noah for a soccer match, only add to her charm.

Everyone who meets Cleo is instantly enchanted by her irresistible personality. She's not just a pet; she's family—a beloved member who brings light and laughter into our lives every single day. Cleo truly is an angel on earth, deserving of all the love and happiness in the world.

Since December, our journey with Cleo has been a rollercoaster of emotions and uncertainties. It all began when we found a tick on Cleo’s left front leg on December 23rd, which we promptly removed. However, by December 27th, Cleo was showing signs of distress, unable to bear weight on her left front leg. Concerned, we took her to the vet, initially suspecting it was related to the tick. To our shock, X-rays revealed a lesion on her bone, leading the vet to suspect osteosarcoma. This devastating news prompted a series of consultations and tests.

We sought a second opinion and transferred Cleo's care to a vet closer to our new home. Despite hopes for a different diagnosis, the new vet also leaned towards osteosarcoma. Referral to an oncologist followed, and by the beginning of January, we were consulting with specialists. Further X-rays seemed to confirm the initial suspicion, but without a bone biopsy, certainty remained elusive. Instead, we opted for an aspirate biopsy to minimize damage to Cleo's fragile bone.

The results of the aspirate biopsy were both relieving and perplexing. While no visible cancer cells were found, reactive cells near the bone raised questions. Cleo's lymph node was clear, offering a glimmer of hope amidst uncertainty. After much deliberation, we made the difficult decision against amputation, as Cleo showed no signs of pain and was fully weight-bearing.

January and February brought moments of relief as Cleo seemed to be her usual self. However, towards the end of February, her behavior took a concerning turn. She became increasingly whiny, restless, and exhibited urinary frequency. Worried about her deteriorating condition, we sought veterinary attention once again, but answers remained elusive.

Multiple vet visits yielded inconclusive results, leaving us feeling frustrated and helpless. Despite our pleas to consider alternative diagnoses, the focus remained on the presumed osteosarcoma. It wasn't until a recent consultation with a neurologist that a new possibility emerged—a neurological problem possibly connected to her leg.

The neurologist conducted their own tests, including MRI and CT scans. Fortunately, these tests revealed no evidence of a brain tumor or lesions. However, we are still awaiting the results for the rest of the tests and we’ve scheduled a spinal tap, hoping they will finally provide us with some answers. Depending on what they find, it will determine the treatability and what the next steps are. There are still many possibilities, including a bacterial or fungal infection or a disease that causes pressure in her brain. We remain hopeful that we will soon have clarity on Cleo's condition, allowing us to pursue the best course of treatment for her. The journey has been draining emotionally, physically, and financially. We've depleted our savings and resources on tests and medications, leaving us financially strained.

But amidst the uncertainty, one thing remains certain—our unwavering commitment to Cleo's well-being. We will do whatever it takes to ensure she receives the best possible care and treatment.

Thank you for taking the time to read Cleo's story and consider helping us. Cleo's journey has been filled with uncertainty, but with your support, we can navigate this challenging road together. Your donation, no matter the amount, will provide crucial assistance in covering Cleo's veterinary expenses, including the cost of her upcoming MRI, CT scans, and potential treatments. We understand that this is a difficult time for everyone, and we don't expect her expenses to be covered completely. However, any contribution you can make will bring us closer to giving Cleo the care she needs. Your support and generosity in this challenging time mean the world to us and to Cleo. Together, we can give her the chance she deserves to live a happy and healthy life.

Update March 15th, 2024:

MRI, CT scan, and spinal tap have come up inconclusive as to the reasons behind her neurological symptoms. However, multiple doctors looked over the new X-rays of her front leg and determined that it is most likely an osteosarcoma, but they are unsure how or if it connects to her neuro problems. 

After staying a night at the hospital for monitoring, Cleo was discharged today and we are starting her on a steroid treatment in hopes that it will improve her neurological state. 

We are also awaiting test results for possible fungal infections.