Managing Meeko's Vet Bills
Donation protected
My name is Kayla and I am trying to raise funds to pay for my best friend Meeko's veterinary expenses. He's the most special thing in the world to me and I'd appreciate you reading his story. It's taken a lot for me to swallow some embarrassment and muster the courage to write this, but I need help. My dog needs more than I can give.
Meeko is a 10 year old Leonberger who was diagnosed with cancer at age three. To save his life, I opted for limb amputation of his right hind leg. Two biopsies, pre and post-amputation, confirmed malignant chondrosarcoma. I am beyond blessed that seven years later he is still alive and cancer free. I truly view him as a miracle dog and treat every day with him in his senior years as a gift.
Being not only a cancer survivor but also an amputee, Meeko has special circumstances. Living life and hopping around on only three legs for the majority of his life has taken a toll on his joints. Meeko is not insurable as a cancer survivor so I get no break from any type of insurance coverage. Costs started to rise when he began developing canine osteoarthritis four years ago. It was first noticed on x-rays of his elbows and shoulders. Because he bears so much of his weight on his front end, this was inevitable. This was also after thousands were spent on oncology consults, x-rays, biopsy and amputation surgeries, and rehabilitation.
Over the years Meeko's back leg has started to bow outward. This happened gradually as he learned to center this back leg in order to better maintain balance. He also uses his tail as a rudder to keep himself centered and this is exaggerated on windy days. Both of these adaptations have contributed to the development of arthritis in his spine, hips, and back leg. He also has a rough callused area on the outside of his back paw. This area lost fur and the skin toughened from his paw pivoting to adjust balance as he hops/walks. Despite efforts to moisturize the callus, sometimes this area cracks open and needs to be treated as a surface wound.
While this all sounds rather horrible to most people, the dog community I have so lovingly become a part of over the last decade will certainly understand. Meeko's time here is not up yet. He still has innumerable lives to touch with his mushy personality. Right now he has many more good days than bad days, and I do all I can within my power to keep him comfortable. The problem I've run into is that my power to provide a good quality of life is almost entirely dependent on financial means. Of course love and affection, time spent together, and special moments shared at home are priceless in giving him a happy life. The rest of his pain management regimen comes with a hefty price tag. A price tag that, while not ever affordable without credit cards, has risen beyond my financial means.
Currently, I spend more than $600 per month on Meeko's "maintenance" care. This is a reduction from the $750 it cost the past few months and doesn't include anything extra. Things such as going to the vet to get a cyst looked at, to get care for an ear infection, or for allergies and chewing are not included in this $600. The $600 is all related to managing his arthritis and keeping him comfortable. The monthly breakdown is as follows: $150 for bi-weekly acupuncture sessions (previously $300 for weekly - my vet has discounted individual sessions to match the price per session if I were to buy a savings package), $132 for two bottles of Chinese herbs, $100 (after manufacturer rebate of $30) for daily NSAID medication Galliprant, $31 for Dasuquin MSM Chewables, $32 for Duralactin Joint Plus Chewables, $37 for a bag and a half of The Missing Link Senior Health Omega Fatty Acid Supplement, $20 for two bottles of Traumeel Natural T-Relief , and $34 for Zesty Paws Calming Bites for anxiety. The rest I spend on feeding him a budgeted raw diet and dental care products . His actual pain medicine, Gabapentin, has been generously donated by members of the Leonberger community.
In addition to the above, I would love to afford incorporating CBD oil into Meeko's pain management plan. His vet has recommended Pet-Releaf CBD Oil, which would cost me $164 per month for two bottles. I've used CBD with Meeko in the past when I could afford it and it undoubtedly works. At close to 120 pounds and with his arthritis being moderate to severe depending on the day, we have to use higher dosages for a lot of his supplements to be effective.
Right now I owe Meeko's vet almost $700. They allow me to maintain a balance and make payments when I can and I couldn't be more grateful for this generosity and leniency. However, I don't want to have to handle Meeko's care this way. My credit cards, including CareCredit, are maxed out. Again. Last Spring, I consolidated old debt from the initial financial blow when he was first diagnosed with cancer. It provided a bit of relief at first, but as his arthritis worsens and he becomes older, his health expenses continue to rise. I had to use credit again. In an attempt to provide support to his remaining back leg and slow the progression of muscular atrophy, I had a custom leg brace made by My Pet's Brace in Pennsylvania. After $1,200 and three road trips with hefty out-of-state tolls for casting and fitting appointments, I returned home with Meeko hopeful that I'd made a good choice. At first it seemed promising. I had faith that he would adapt to the brace as swiftly as he adapted to life on three legs. As much as I tried and worked with him though, Meeko just wouldn't adjust to walking with the brace on. A non-refundable purchase because it was custom made for the specific shape and deformities of his leg.
In the past, I've spent/charged thousands of dollars on preventative care for Meeko. We've tried Adequan injections (which I administered myself to avoid vet fees), hydrotherapy to build strength, cold laser therapy (see selfie below - I enjoyed the protective glasses), photonic light therapy , massage and even reiki for pain relief. There have of course been other "normal" expenses as well: orthopedic dog beds , x-ray cancer screenings every 3 months to make sure the cancer hadn't metastasized, mobility harnesses to help him get around, annual wellness exams, and titre tests in lieu of annual re-vaccination. Plus every dog owner knows the cumulative expense of dog bones, toys, and treats.
To finally get to the point, 2019 has been a rough year financially. My personal living expenses went up but my salary at work didn't go up enough to offset this. In April, I was in a car accident for which there are legal expenses. In July, both my rent and car insurance increased. Last month, I was not only notified by the state that they re-calculated my taxes and I owe $900, but I also had surgery which was not fully covered by my health insurance. Just this past week I took Meeko to the vet for a skin infection. Exam, urinalysis, lab test, antibiotic and $330 later, he has to go back to the vet because it's not improving. I can't keep my head above water financially this year and it seems I keep getting hit with one wave after another.
I'm asking for help. Help to pay for my dog's care in his senior years. I know I am lucky. I know I am blessed. There are days I sit and look at him and I get overwhelmed with gratitude so much that I cry. I cry for the privilege to be loved unconditionally by something as pure as Meeko. He has always been my rock, my emotional support dog. He's been with me through my father's suicide, sat with me during grief support groups, and moved with me when my mother lost my childhood home to foreclosure. Those closest to me know the extent of my own story the past few years. They know how much I struggle with mental health and how hard I've worked to raise money for suicide prevention. Meeko has been my motivation to keep going in life and to not let my anxiety or depression rule over me. He's been this inspiration for others too. For years, on three legs, he spread love and joy as a therapy dog in nursing homes, hospice centers, schools, and at programs for underprivileged youth. He's the dog everyone looks at and says how happy he always seems. He's the dog that just keeps on giving - my grey muzzled old man.
I want to return the favor to my dog. I want to keep on giving him all I can, to provide a comfortable life in his final years, and the high quality of life he deserves. The harsh reality is that if today were his day to say goodbye, I wouldn't be able to pay for his cremation. He deserves better and I'm trying to do all I can to provide better. Any little bit of help you can give will go very far in helping him stay comfy and happy. It will go just as far to alleviate some stress and guilt for me.
I'm not good at asking for help, I never have been. But for my dog I will do anything. Please consider donating to raise funds for his health care. It would truly mean the world to me because to me, Meeko is my world.
Thank you for reading.
With love,
Kayla
"When I needed a hand, you gave me your paw."
Meeko is a 10 year old Leonberger who was diagnosed with cancer at age three. To save his life, I opted for limb amputation of his right hind leg. Two biopsies, pre and post-amputation, confirmed malignant chondrosarcoma. I am beyond blessed that seven years later he is still alive and cancer free. I truly view him as a miracle dog and treat every day with him in his senior years as a gift.
Being not only a cancer survivor but also an amputee, Meeko has special circumstances. Living life and hopping around on only three legs for the majority of his life has taken a toll on his joints. Meeko is not insurable as a cancer survivor so I get no break from any type of insurance coverage. Costs started to rise when he began developing canine osteoarthritis four years ago. It was first noticed on x-rays of his elbows and shoulders. Because he bears so much of his weight on his front end, this was inevitable. This was also after thousands were spent on oncology consults, x-rays, biopsy and amputation surgeries, and rehabilitation.Over the years Meeko's back leg has started to bow outward. This happened gradually as he learned to center this back leg in order to better maintain balance. He also uses his tail as a rudder to keep himself centered and this is exaggerated on windy days. Both of these adaptations have contributed to the development of arthritis in his spine, hips, and back leg. He also has a rough callused area on the outside of his back paw. This area lost fur and the skin toughened from his paw pivoting to adjust balance as he hops/walks. Despite efforts to moisturize the callus, sometimes this area cracks open and needs to be treated as a surface wound.
While this all sounds rather horrible to most people, the dog community I have so lovingly become a part of over the last decade will certainly understand. Meeko's time here is not up yet. He still has innumerable lives to touch with his mushy personality. Right now he has many more good days than bad days, and I do all I can within my power to keep him comfortable. The problem I've run into is that my power to provide a good quality of life is almost entirely dependent on financial means. Of course love and affection, time spent together, and special moments shared at home are priceless in giving him a happy life. The rest of his pain management regimen comes with a hefty price tag. A price tag that, while not ever affordable without credit cards, has risen beyond my financial means.
Currently, I spend more than $600 per month on Meeko's "maintenance" care. This is a reduction from the $750 it cost the past few months and doesn't include anything extra. Things such as going to the vet to get a cyst looked at, to get care for an ear infection, or for allergies and chewing are not included in this $600. The $600 is all related to managing his arthritis and keeping him comfortable. The monthly breakdown is as follows: $150 for bi-weekly acupuncture sessions (previously $300 for weekly - my vet has discounted individual sessions to match the price per session if I were to buy a savings package), $132 for two bottles of Chinese herbs, $100 (after manufacturer rebate of $30) for daily NSAID medication Galliprant, $31 for Dasuquin MSM Chewables, $32 for Duralactin Joint Plus Chewables, $37 for a bag and a half of The Missing Link Senior Health Omega Fatty Acid Supplement, $20 for two bottles of Traumeel Natural T-Relief , and $34 for Zesty Paws Calming Bites for anxiety. The rest I spend on feeding him a budgeted raw diet and dental care products . His actual pain medicine, Gabapentin, has been generously donated by members of the Leonberger community.
In addition to the above, I would love to afford incorporating CBD oil into Meeko's pain management plan. His vet has recommended Pet-Releaf CBD Oil, which would cost me $164 per month for two bottles. I've used CBD with Meeko in the past when I could afford it and it undoubtedly works. At close to 120 pounds and with his arthritis being moderate to severe depending on the day, we have to use higher dosages for a lot of his supplements to be effective.
Right now I owe Meeko's vet almost $700. They allow me to maintain a balance and make payments when I can and I couldn't be more grateful for this generosity and leniency. However, I don't want to have to handle Meeko's care this way. My credit cards, including CareCredit, are maxed out. Again. Last Spring, I consolidated old debt from the initial financial blow when he was first diagnosed with cancer. It provided a bit of relief at first, but as his arthritis worsens and he becomes older, his health expenses continue to rise. I had to use credit again. In an attempt to provide support to his remaining back leg and slow the progression of muscular atrophy, I had a custom leg brace made by My Pet's Brace in Pennsylvania. After $1,200 and three road trips with hefty out-of-state tolls for casting and fitting appointments, I returned home with Meeko hopeful that I'd made a good choice. At first it seemed promising. I had faith that he would adapt to the brace as swiftly as he adapted to life on three legs. As much as I tried and worked with him though, Meeko just wouldn't adjust to walking with the brace on. A non-refundable purchase because it was custom made for the specific shape and deformities of his leg.
In the past, I've spent/charged thousands of dollars on preventative care for Meeko. We've tried Adequan injections (which I administered myself to avoid vet fees), hydrotherapy to build strength, cold laser therapy (see selfie below - I enjoyed the protective glasses), photonic light therapy , massage and even reiki for pain relief. There have of course been other "normal" expenses as well: orthopedic dog beds , x-ray cancer screenings every 3 months to make sure the cancer hadn't metastasized, mobility harnesses to help him get around, annual wellness exams, and titre tests in lieu of annual re-vaccination. Plus every dog owner knows the cumulative expense of dog bones, toys, and treats.
To finally get to the point, 2019 has been a rough year financially. My personal living expenses went up but my salary at work didn't go up enough to offset this. In April, I was in a car accident for which there are legal expenses. In July, both my rent and car insurance increased. Last month, I was not only notified by the state that they re-calculated my taxes and I owe $900, but I also had surgery which was not fully covered by my health insurance. Just this past week I took Meeko to the vet for a skin infection. Exam, urinalysis, lab test, antibiotic and $330 later, he has to go back to the vet because it's not improving. I can't keep my head above water financially this year and it seems I keep getting hit with one wave after another.
I'm asking for help. Help to pay for my dog's care in his senior years. I know I am lucky. I know I am blessed. There are days I sit and look at him and I get overwhelmed with gratitude so much that I cry. I cry for the privilege to be loved unconditionally by something as pure as Meeko. He has always been my rock, my emotional support dog. He's been with me through my father's suicide, sat with me during grief support groups, and moved with me when my mother lost my childhood home to foreclosure. Those closest to me know the extent of my own story the past few years. They know how much I struggle with mental health and how hard I've worked to raise money for suicide prevention. Meeko has been my motivation to keep going in life and to not let my anxiety or depression rule over me. He's been this inspiration for others too. For years, on three legs, he spread love and joy as a therapy dog in nursing homes, hospice centers, schools, and at programs for underprivileged youth. He's the dog everyone looks at and says how happy he always seems. He's the dog that just keeps on giving - my grey muzzled old man.
I want to return the favor to my dog. I want to keep on giving him all I can, to provide a comfortable life in his final years, and the high quality of life he deserves. The harsh reality is that if today were his day to say goodbye, I wouldn't be able to pay for his cremation. He deserves better and I'm trying to do all I can to provide better. Any little bit of help you can give will go very far in helping him stay comfy and happy. It will go just as far to alleviate some stress and guilt for me.
I'm not good at asking for help, I never have been. But for my dog I will do anything. Please consider donating to raise funds for his health care. It would truly mean the world to me because to me, Meeko is my world.
Thank you for reading.
With love,
Kayla
"When I needed a hand, you gave me your paw."Organizer
Kayla Marie Skiba
Organizer
Old Bridge, NJ