Thunder's skyrocketing emergency medical bills

Thunder is a 7-year-old Pomeranian who was rescued from a pet store that so abused the animals it sold that it was forced to close.

Now Thunder needs rescuing again.

He’s been in critical condition in the ICU at the Animal Medical Center for 5 days, recovering from multiple organ failure and several mini-strokes, but is facing the likelihood of surgery to correct a congenital liver condition and an as-yet-unidentified abdominal issue that has caused a cascade of life-threatening issues: pancreatitis, respiratory failure, severe anemia and neurological problems.

He’s getting brilliant care, but it’s at a steep cost. Treatment in the ICU, long stints in the oxygen chamber, multiple scans, a transfusion and X-rays so far total a staggering $13,000. That figure is likely to climb to nearly double that by the time he can come home.

Besides being a beloved pet, Thunder is also an emotional support animal for his person, my nephew Emmanuel. Compounding Emmanuel's distress is that many of his human loved ones (both grandparents, mother, and aunt) are also facing serious health issues. It’s an exceptionally hard time for the entire family, even without the financial pressure of mounting hospital bills.

A contribution of any amount would be very much appreciated.