Help Simba's Fight for a Healthy Life

Meet Simba!

Simba is a senior Chihuahua that needs your help, please!

Simba was a rescue puppy and was in the care of his owner up until 2 weeks ago when his owner, a former partner of mine, was found deceased in his home. It is suspected that he lay next to his owner for 5 days before he was discovered.

Through contact with past neighbors and landlords, I was asked to take Simba or he would be put down.

Having known Simba when he was a puppy, I did not want to see him put down. When I picked Simba up, he weighed only 2.5 lbs, had lost all of his hair, and was not in good shape.

After Simba was in my care, I made an appointment with Dr. Julie Dudak at the Veterinary Hospital of Oak Ridge in Oak Ridge, NC. She did a complete workup including a physical exam, urine and fecal test as well as a full blood work panel. Luckily, Simba has no intestinal or heartworms, skin rashes/conditions, or other notable canine health conditions. Simba is however in need of some extensive dental surgery to repair a deteriorated jaw and missing teeth. This dental condition was caused by extensive and prolonged infection in his mouth. This infection has and is contributing to pain in Simba's mouth which has made it more difficult for him to eat, thus contributing to his major weight loss. Despite where he has come from and what he has been through, Dr. Dudak has given him a very promising prognosis if he can get the surgery to deal with the infection and dental needs. His surgery will get the infection out of his little body and allow him to re-establish normal eating habits so he can gain back the weight he has lost.

As an animal lover, I do not want to see little Simba suffer or be in pain. I, like the vet, fully believe this little guy has a fighting chance. Assuming the responsibility of Simba was unexpected and this surgery is not in my budget. I would, however, like to do what I can to help him live his best life. That is why I am asking for your assistance in his surgery. I believe any students or co-workers from UNC-SA or friends and neighbors who knew Hector, would understand that ensuring Simba was taken care of would be important to Hector.

Please, consider donating here to assist with little Simba's surgery. It is a necessity for him.