Help Otis Through His Upcoming Double Surgery!

My little one-eyed wonder pug, Otis, needs a double surgery. He has a torn ACL and bladder stones, so will be getting a TPLO and Cystotomy. His surgeon wants to do both surgeries at once so he’ll only have to go under anesthesia one time. Otis is no stranger to surgery, this will be his 5th/6th! We’re determined to make sure he conquers this just as he has in the past. If you’re able, please help!

Hi! For all of those who don’t know us, I’m Lexie and this is my 5-year-old pug, Otis. We live in Charlotte, NC, and I’ve had Otis since he was 7 weeks old. I knew we were meant to be together when he first wiggled over to me at just 3 weeks old. He was only with me for a day before we were rushing to the emergency room because of an eye infection. And he has lived most of his life with only one eye. That has never slowed him down, and I don’t think either of us have ever viewed it as a disability (no pun intended ).

Even though I’ve experienced more tragedies and difficulties than I would have liked so far, I always choose to focus on the love and joy life has to offer, and so much of that is because of Otis. When he was two he dislocated his hip and knee, and during his operation the surgeon realized he had torn his left ACL and needed his meniscus removed. When she called me to ask how he had been walking, I told her he had been running around! He never shows any pain, he radiates a strength I rarely even see in some people. He has brought more joy to my life than I ever could have hoped for. For so many years I never felt as though I was home. But when I met Otis, I finally realized he was what made us a family. Otis loves snuggles, going to the dog park with his friends, chickie snackies, snoring like a trucker, and his best friend Rufus.

When he was three he began getting UTIs, which we realized was being caused by bladder stones. After trying multiple non-surgical options, he had surgery to remove those, but they returned less than a year later and we have still been trying alternate non-surgical options to help with those. Bladder stones can carry infections, hence the frequent UTIs, so his surgeon wants to remove those again so the risk of him developing an infection after his right leg ACL surgery decreases significantly. She is also going to study the stones so we can get a much clearer idea of the type, and find exactly the right approach to make sure they do not return in the future. Otis is having surgery on August 7th, his surgeon doesn’t want him to wait any longer, which is one of the reasons for this fundraiser, as I am not able to make that much working before then. He will need about 8-10 weeks of recovery.

Otis has been by my side through my own medical struggles; waited for me after one of my own surgeries and stayed by my side during years of insufferable pain when I thought I might be bedridden forever. He was with me when I finally found a doctor that helped change my life, got me literally back on my feet, and back to not only working again but be able to do what I love most, work with animals. As a pet sitter and dog walker I am now able to spend most of my days outside, walking, and best of all, with Otis. Otis has never met a dog he didn’t get along with, and while he has a stubbornness that only a pug could have, he is amazing at sharing. He knows that when we are boarding other dogs or house sitting, that means he shares his toys, our space, and his mom. He never complains when it’s time for someone else’s walk or belly rubs. He knows there will always be “Mommy/Otis time” later.

If you are able to help in any way, we will be forever grateful. I just want to make sure there will be more Mommy/Otis Time. I have been working nonstop for months, even before I found out he needed this surgery, and have increased my workload even more to make sure he’s cared for. The vet's office quoted us $4500-$5600, and while I have been able to earn a good amount through work, and don’t expect this to generate that much, if for any reason we go over then it will be donated to the Humane Society of Charlotte to help other dogs and cats in need.

I know that Otis and I will make it through this no matter what. I might be adding to this in the next few days, I’m sure there are things I have forgotten about or want to include. If you are unable to help financially but wish to pass this along, we would greatly appreciate it! Or if you have any positive thoughts, suggestions, or advice for his post-op care, anything and everything is welcome! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!