Dolce's Long Road to Recovery After Snake Bite

*Warning Graphic Photos*

Our dearest friends' dog, Dolce, was bitten by a copperhead, an extremely venomous snake.

Her parents, Angie and Matt, arrived with her at the first stop of their getaway, Fort Fisher State Park. Within the first ten minutes of their hike, the snake bit Dolce on her snout. They immediately rushed her to the emergency vet, where Dolce was hurriedly carried into the back. All of this happened on Tuesday, May 31st, and Dolce remains at the emergency vet as of today, June 3rd. Her complications have been more severe than typical and her condition has been a rollercoaster.

Dolce has been given two rounds of antivenin, pain medication, three different types of nausea medicine, numerous blood tests, esophagial motility medication, and more while being cared for at Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral Hospital in Wilmington. During her stay, she has been in the Intensive Care Unit receiving around-the-clock care while the team there is trying to help her heal. She has been unable to keep any food in her body consistently or receive any relief from the extreme swelling affecting her nose, face, lips, and throat. Despite the constant veterinary care that she has been receiving, Dolce's health is not improving, and her risk of complications increase each hour.

In addition to the climbing emergency vet fees, Angie and Matt have had to extend their stay while they agonizingly wait for Dolce to stabilize. This racks up additional costs for housing, food, gas, etc., and there is no end in sight as to when Dolce will be able to be released.

Dolce is in dire need of help - if you're able to, please donate, share, and expand the reach to help sweet Dolce recover.