Help save Mozzarella's life
Donation protected
If you know me, than you know Mozzarella. She may be a dog, but I generally refer to her as my child. She has been with me for years, and she is my four-legged fur baby. She has travelled with me from Korea to Japan to the United States, and she even waited patiently for me to return from Iraq. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting her, then you know that she is the sweetest and most loving dog around.
In July, Mozzarella started showing symptoms of Cushing’s Disease, which is an excess level of cortisol in the body caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland. The tumor is generally very small and can be controlled with medication. Over the last few months, Mozzarella has endured blood testing and ACTH stimulation testing nearly every week, as well as procedures to remove skin masses. She has been on several different medications to control her Cushings, none of which have worked and all of which have caused severe side effects. She has seen several different Veterinarians and Specialists over the last few months.
Mozzarella is now showing neurological symptoms, which mean that the tumor has most likely grown in size and is now affecting her brain function. Mozzarella needs a MRI to determine if the tumor is operable, or to determine what treatment, if any, is available.
It has been a very difficult time. My healthy, happy, and active dog, is now depressed, confused, and unaware of what’s happening to her. Mozzarella is suffering from constant tremors that make her entire body convulse. She is confused, pacing around, falling down, and losing bladder control. She went from eating everything in sight, to being force-fed food because she longer understands how to eat on her own. To give you an idea of what I mean, I literally have to open her mouth and smear wet food on her teeth so that she will lick it off and swallow it. Half of it ends up on the floor, but we continue this until she’s gotten enough down to keep her healthy. If any of you have ever known someone with Alzheimer’s, then you have an idea of what this is like.
Over the last few months, Mozzarella’s blood tests, ACTH stimulation tests, weekly Vet visits, medications, and mass removals, have cost me nearly $3000. The Specialist she will be seeing now is $200 a visit, and the cost of the MRI is $2500, not to mention added testing, treatments, and medication.
As most of you know, I am a recently retired Veteran currently living off of my VA disability. My plan was to attend school this fall, however due to Mozzarella’s medical conditions I’ve put my plans on hold. Mozzarella requires constant care right now, and I am more than devoted to her.
Some people might say, “Why bother?” Well, she is my child, that’s why. She is the love of my life, my best friend, and the best thing that has ever happened to me. I cannot imagine my life without her. Aside from that, she is NOT a lost cause. She can be helped, and possibly cured. The tumor can possibly be removed or treated with medication or radiation, and she could return to normal and live many years to come. I cannot stand by and do nothing while she suffers. I hope you all feel the same way.
Any donation is appreciated, and no amount is too little. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please share this on your page. Even if your friend’s don’t know me or Mozzarella, they may be willing to help out.
In July, Mozzarella started showing symptoms of Cushing’s Disease, which is an excess level of cortisol in the body caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland. The tumor is generally very small and can be controlled with medication. Over the last few months, Mozzarella has endured blood testing and ACTH stimulation testing nearly every week, as well as procedures to remove skin masses. She has been on several different medications to control her Cushings, none of which have worked and all of which have caused severe side effects. She has seen several different Veterinarians and Specialists over the last few months.
Mozzarella is now showing neurological symptoms, which mean that the tumor has most likely grown in size and is now affecting her brain function. Mozzarella needs a MRI to determine if the tumor is operable, or to determine what treatment, if any, is available.
It has been a very difficult time. My healthy, happy, and active dog, is now depressed, confused, and unaware of what’s happening to her. Mozzarella is suffering from constant tremors that make her entire body convulse. She is confused, pacing around, falling down, and losing bladder control. She went from eating everything in sight, to being force-fed food because she longer understands how to eat on her own. To give you an idea of what I mean, I literally have to open her mouth and smear wet food on her teeth so that she will lick it off and swallow it. Half of it ends up on the floor, but we continue this until she’s gotten enough down to keep her healthy. If any of you have ever known someone with Alzheimer’s, then you have an idea of what this is like.
Over the last few months, Mozzarella’s blood tests, ACTH stimulation tests, weekly Vet visits, medications, and mass removals, have cost me nearly $3000. The Specialist she will be seeing now is $200 a visit, and the cost of the MRI is $2500, not to mention added testing, treatments, and medication.
As most of you know, I am a recently retired Veteran currently living off of my VA disability. My plan was to attend school this fall, however due to Mozzarella’s medical conditions I’ve put my plans on hold. Mozzarella requires constant care right now, and I am more than devoted to her.
Some people might say, “Why bother?” Well, she is my child, that’s why. She is the love of my life, my best friend, and the best thing that has ever happened to me. I cannot imagine my life without her. Aside from that, she is NOT a lost cause. She can be helped, and possibly cured. The tumor can possibly be removed or treated with medication or radiation, and she could return to normal and live many years to come. I cannot stand by and do nothing while she suffers. I hope you all feel the same way.
Any donation is appreciated, and no amount is too little. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please share this on your page. Even if your friend’s don’t know me or Mozzarella, they may be willing to help out.
Organizer
Jay Lis
Organizer
Burlington, NJ