Help Pay Down Bills For Milo's Passing

A Little About Milo

Hey there, I'm Zack and I want to tell you about my dog, pal, and best friend Milo, whom I just lost to cancer. Milo was rescued in 2017 from a neglectful home where he was kept boxed up for 12 hours a day, panicking so much that he chewed his way out of two separate crates forever wearing down his teeth and sustaining huge scars on his legs. Despite that, he was the gentlest and most easygoing mutt. He got used to his new home where he would never be caged again and where he would get all of the love and affection he could possibly want. This was true everywhere he went. For the next five years, Milo was a faithful companion and an easy traveler, curling up in the backseat of the car everywhere I went, including multiple 18 hour drives to and from the Midwest. Everyone that met Milo felt his gentle spirit, and he was loved and welcomed in friends' homes, in stores, and by passers by on a hiking trail.

At the end of May, Milo met Astro. Astro was another rescue dog I adopted into my home from another terrible situation. Astro bonded to Milo so quickly even though Milo, now 9, was a little slower to warm up to a new brother. But warm up he did, and the two become fast companions and true brothers.

Milo's Passing

In August, Milo had a spell of not feeling well. After vomiting one morning, he was moving slow and refusing food. I called his vet, and agreed to keep an eye on him. As the week went on, he would sometimes be better, sometimes be worse, and mostly just stayed in his bed watching the world go by. Astro would walk slowly with him, and always check on him. Then on the weekend, Milo took a turn for the worse and had zero energy and would not take any food, not even his favorite snacks. I called the vet and we arranged for an emergency visit on Sunday morning.

After several blood panels and an ultrasound, masses on Milo's spleen were found. The vet said it needed to come out, and soon. The next morning, Milo, Astro, and I arrived at the emergency vet clinic and awaited the surgeon. Once it was time, Milo was lead in and I told him that it would be okay and that Astro and I would be waiting for him. After filling out the appropriate paperwork and paying 90% of the high end estimate, Astro and I went home.

About 20 minutes after stepping through the door, I got a sad phone call. The cancer had spread from his spleen to his liver and his heart, and more masses were still being found. I was given three options: First, they could complete the surgery, but he'd only have a month or two, would have to have chemo, and would not have a good month or two at that. Second, they could wake him up, I could come say goodbye, and they could put him down. Third, he could stay asleep and they could let him go, and Astro and I could still come down to see him. I had to make a decision then and there, and I knew that option three was the only real choice.

Astro and I went back, filled out more paperwork, and got to see Milo. Even though he was already gone, I still snuggled him and spoke to him. I told him Astro and I would be okay, and that it was okay that he needed to go. He seemed asleep, but his body was cold. I told him I loved him.

What Am I Asking For?

The following several days, I got so many calls and texts and messages of condolence. People were telling me their memories of Milo, and I realized how much he got around, how much of an impression he left on everyone, and how many nice memories his gentle spirit had left with so many people. Milo was special.

I know that I did everything I could for my pal, and I know that I made the right decision no matter how heartbreaking it was. I had cobbled together every cent I could, including applying for a Care Credit card. Spread amongst all of my cards and finances, I ended up paying $11,000 which has wiped me out. While I don't regret a cent of it, this has been a big hit to me financially. I live alone with my dog Astro and am a freelance illustrator, which means that my income is often sporadic. Any donations here will go to paying off Milo's vet bills, including the blood panels, ultrasounds, emergency/ICU fees, anesthesia, surgery, other fees, cremation, etc. It's a lot, but even a dollar donation or sharing this campaign would go such a long way as Astro and I heal from the void left in Milo's place, and also honor the wonderful time we spent together.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.