Rocksy Lex's Lucky Rocks Beagle Heart Surgery Fund

Photo Courtesy Of Laura Webb Photography


Update February 10, 2020:

Lex is 10 years old and has set himself a HUGE goal to earn the funds for Rocksy's Mitral Valve Repair surgery, and trip, to save his rescue beagles life.  

Lex has set a NEW goal of earning the money for Rocksy’s heart surgery, which could total anywhere between $25,000 to $50,000 depending on the location.  Rocksy needs Mitral Valve Repair (MVR).  This surgery has a very high success rate in Japan, England, and a new program hopefully starting soon at the University of Florida.

Lex's original goal was to travel to London for the surgery but that program is currently suspended.  Another option for Rocksy is the University of Florida, and with 300+ cases needing surgery it is unclear when Lex will be called for Rocksy to have it done. Rocksy is currently on the waiting list for the University of Florida.  Surgeries will hopefully start in the summer of 2020 at the University of Florida and every 2 months only 6 cases will be selected each time.  The cost for Florida surgery is between $45,000 to $50,000.   Lex's other option for Rocksy is Japan with estimated costs being around $25,000 for surgery, expenses, and travel.  Lex has started the quarantine process , a requirement for Japan (which takes 180 days), for Rocksy to enter the country, and many calls are being made.  
https://mightyheartsproject.org/japan-pet-import-process 

Recently we discovered a Facebook group, Mighty Hearts MVD Community, and spoke with the Founder of the non-for- profit organization, Mighty Hearts Project. This group of caring individuals has links and information to where and who can do this complicated surgery.

Mighty Hearts Project
https://mightyheartsproject.org

Mighty Hearts MVD Community 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MightyHeartsMVDCommunity/ 

In 2019 Lex attended 40+ shows and events (comic books conventions, flea markets, craft fairs, etc.) to raise the money for his dog's surgery and Rocksy's daily care.  We continue to book events and other shows where Lex can sell his rocks, crystals, fossils, and share Rocksy' story.  We are located in Central Illinois and travel so Lex can earn more funds for his dogs care and heart surgery fund.  

Lex also sells rocks and crystals through his Facebook page and also his Etsy Store.

https://www.facebook.com/LexsLuckyRocks/ 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/LexsLuckyRocks 

In 2019 Lex and Rocksy were featured on 3 local news stations, several local newspapers, iHeartdogs.com, and even a newspaper in Italy.  

Any support for Lex and Rocksy is GREATLY appreciated.  

Below is a quick background of their story and we are happy to pass along any other information or links.

Lex's goal has always been to help save Rocksy. He has promised that any money not used for the surgery, travel, or medications from the GoFundMe he will donate it to other animal causes and local no-kill-shelters that he currently sponsors. 

THANKS

Photo Courtesy Of Laura Webb Photography

Our 8 year old son (now 10), Lex, had been saving up his Lex’s Lucky Rocks money (his rock business), mowing money, birthday money, and chore money for a puppy.  

Lex had already purchased a dog bed, collar, bowls, and leash.

We checked local animal shelters, but Lex did not want to adopt. He wanted a puppy.  

On August 22, 2018 EVERYTHING changed for Lex and the rest of our family!!

While purchasing eggs from a local Amish farm Lex found a 3 year old female Beagle that looked thin, had a tick in her ear, was dirty, and had no name.  Lex bought this dog for $50 and we took her to the vet to have the tick removed.  That weekend Lex took “Rocksy” to the vet only to discover she had a very severe heart murmur.  Rocksy was put on 3 medications and x-rays were done.  Lex was devastated, but promised to take care of her. 

Lex's, then seven year old, sister, Arianna, recently got a pin back button maker and created a button for Lex to sell that they call the “Rocksy Button.” She now has her own business, A. Button Girl.

Lex had to ask for help with the fees for his dog, his chore money and rock money were not enough.  We were referred to the U of I vet clinic to find out that Rocksy has a “broken heart”  and there was nothing that could be done.  The vet at the U of I told Lex to sell his rocks and buttons and spoil his dog.  Rocksy will always be on meds and will have to have x-rays several times a year to monitor her heart condition.

His sister also rescued a puppy in September 2018.  Arianna found a Shiba Inu puppy at a yard sale.  Arianna’s puppy is healthy thank goodness.    

Arianna has created buttons and sold them to give the money to charities.  She has donated to the “Rocksy Fund”, ICARe animal rescue, Hands 4 Paws, and a child advocacy center.  She already plans to help other.  

We are so proud of our children and how they have helped these animals and given back to other people.  

Rocksy will continue to receive routine x-rays to monitor her heart and will be on medications for the rest of her life.  

Here is links to their Facebook pages, and news story:

https://www.facebook.com/LexsLuckyRocks/

https://www.facebook.com/AButtonGirl/

Rocksy's News Story WCIA Channel 3 News


Photo Courtesy Of Laura Webb Photography