360 replies to this topic

[Forusmom]

 Foru.jpg   134.91K   22 downloads  Foru.jpg   134.91K   22 downloadsI cant seem to get his picture to load but let me tell you this is the sweetest soul you could ever want to meet. He is so grateful to all of the vets and techs who have been taking such good care of him for the last 3 days. He has been hospitalized since Monday with a life threatening Urinary blockage and his little body is filling with toxins. He has managed to keep his spirits up, and still wags his little tail and gives kisses when he sees anyone even if it is to stick him or palpate him which is extremely uncomfortable for him right now. I am down to $57 in my checking and savings accounts and have spent over $1200 so far which covered him until yesterday. Care Credit turned me down I cant eat, sleep , or stop crying even though I am nearly numb and cant comprehend this is truly happening .

[Judy]

Your photos are there and he's BEAUTIFUL!!!  There isn't anything cuter than a GSD pup...

Have you followed the step by step instructions to see if you qualify for Financial Aid from IMOM?  They are a GREAT group...here is the link for you to follow if you haven't already...

Start immediately and it takes time to get things processed...

GOOD LUCK...

After you've done this you can also try Red Rover (formerly United Animal Nation) Onyx and Breeze Foundations and see if your vet is a member of the AAHA...if they are only the vet clinic can ask for assistance...not the patient...

http://www.imom.org/fa/index.htm

As soon as you read this, start in...Judy

[Beauty's Kathy]

He is darling. Please get your application in to IMOM right away...this sounds like it needs to be taken care of right away.

What do they need to do for Foru to make him better?


As soon as you get your application in to IMOM (and make sure the vet gets the paperwork in as well)..post about your little one and pictures are great too..that way, as soon as you approved, you will have Angels waiting to help you

Good luck

Kathy

[Forusmom]

Thanks for your reply Kathy.
Foru and I could certainly use an angel right about now. As far as what needs to be done for him right now he is hospitalized with a catheter and IV meds and fluids. His kidney function is severly elevated and he needs the catheter to urinate, without it his bladder and kidney were filling with toxins. Once stable they need to identify and treat the cause of the obstruction. They have done xrays, and ultrasounds and could not see any stones, so he is being treated for his immediate medical condition  but will need to be transfered to a specialist once stable so they can locate the problem and correct it. I am sooo scared and cant imagine my life without him. He has such a sweet nature, and warm heart I cant believe he is going through this and so bravely for his age.

[Judy]

Were you able to get to the step by step instructions for the financial aid section of IMOM?

Begin working on that right away as this sounds critical...

http://www.imom.org/fa/index.htm

[Michele W]

Hi and welcome,

Have you begun submitting all your documents to IMOM? This needs to be done immediately.....Foru is counting on you!

All best,
Michele

[Forusmom]

Yes, I have I am just waiting on a copy of my W2 from my employer, and the vet estimate. I am also waiting on a call back from the vet to see how his afternoon went. I did hear he tolerated a small amount of food this morning which is wonderful because he has not eaten since Sunday and was getting very thin quickly. It amazes me how the look of a that little face can put a smile on my face so easily, and now it fills my eyes with tears. He is such a good boy !Thank you all for your kind words, and positive thoughts. Please keep my little monkey in your prayers. I will be posting updates regularly.

[Judy]

I"m wondering if you got your call from the vet yet...and also heard from your employer...

Can't you use last years W-2?  

In some instances I think that you can send in your paperwork ahead and then fax the remaining forms later...perhaps you can send an email to IMOM at:

gf@imom.org

tell them what is going on with Forus and ask if you can send in the paperwork you have and then send in the remaining paperwork as soon as you get it...it's worth a try...

Also...can you apply to:

Red Rover (formerly United Animal Nation) Onyx and Breezy Foundations and if you are in California Actors 4 Animals

I am going to copy a link with other organizations and some by state...you can check them out...the more help the merrier...

http://www.humanesoc...ording_pet.html

I know this seems overwhelming and it doesn't help that you are upset...but, stay strong..we are here for you to lean on...

Hoping for better news from the vet tonight...Judy

[Forusmom]

Hello Judy,
Everyone's kindness , concern, and support is overwhelming. I did speak with the vet a little while ago and Thank God Foru was able to tolerate small amounts of food today which is such great news because he had not eaten since Saturday he would even take a treat. I have an tentative appt on Friday with an Internal Medicine vet at UVS in Latham NY. We have the appt but our vet needs to call the hospital in the morning to secure the appt as he keeps a few open for emergency's and transfers. His kidney function has improved : ) , and his white blood cell count although still high has dropped significantly.The vet was still concerned with the look of the left kidney via ultrasound and does not know if it is a congential defect, damage from the infection,  a tumor, cyst, or bloodclot. Right now his main concern is the reason for the obstruction and what the underlying cause is. He said he wont be able to release him before Friday anyway because he needs the IV, and catheter to remain as he is unable to urinate on his own and its the catheter that is removing the urine and draining the toxins for him. I am praying, that my little monkey is going to be alright. I am going up to visit him tomorrow and can hardly wait to see his little face. My employer also committed to getting me the W2 by COB tomorrow, and right now I am happy he is improving and know he is in the best place he can be right now. I also spoke to the Emercency clinic and the Dr that took such good care of him there on Monday Night when he was transfered because our vet could not get the catheter in. She was so kind, and compassionate and she really gave me hope. I will send another update in the morning just as soon as I speak with the vet. I also feel better because he wont be transferred until at least Friday and I get paid on Friday so that will help ease the financial impact also. This site is amazing, You all have touched me, and I intend to tell Foru all about everyone on the IMOM website that is routing for him too! Tonight I have hope, I am just so scared because this week has been so traumatic for us both I am drained, and fearful of bad news on friday. I have been doing a lot of research online I pray for a miracle for my little angel! I believe in miracles and cant wait to get back on our 6 feet again so we can pay it forward! God Bless you all!

[Beauty's Kathy]

I hope that the vets will give you good news soon. Hang in there Foru- everyone is pulling for you !

Sending Foru lots of white light and healing purrs from the Magical Beach Kitties

Kathy

[Forusmom]

Well this morning's update is about the same, not much change. Foru's Dr's have some concern about his appetite, he is finally eating and tolerating small amounts but not on his own and only when coaxed/ handfed.
They dont know if its a result his current situation meaning e-collar, crate, hospital, and arent pleaseed with his appetite.
His urine is pretty clear  : ) and he is putting out a decent amount of urine.
His culture's are starting to come back in and there are several bacteria's present, one he called a very nasty one that is resistant to meds.
Another concern he mentioned is that the antibiotics he is currently on are not advised for use on a dog of his age and size due to growth, cartlidge and joint damage sometimes caused by the meds.
According to the vet ( and I trust him) we have no choice but torisk that due to his current condition.
He said we will have to deal with that down the road if he makes it and does have a negative effect on his growth.
The call is being made this morning to secure the appt with the specialist for tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 p.m and he will be transfered back to Latham Hospital since they reside in the same bldg as the specialist.
I am worried sick, and havent had much of an appetite myself.
I am going to make him some turkey soup and bring it up to him this afternoon.
The bottom line according to the DR is the obstruction , and the left kidney.
He said there is a small possibility that the kidney and obstruction were caused by the infection, but its highly unlikely.
We need to determine what caused the changes in the kidney to cause the urinary obstruction that led to this terrible infection and hopefully correct it.
Please continue to pray for my little monkey, your support has been a tremendous help to us both and we wont forget any of you for it!
My employer also has a copy of my W2 sitting in my email box this morning, so now I am going to switch tabs and send it off to IMOM.
I still cant even talk , or type about him without crying. I dont care what we have to go through, we will do it togethor all I want is a happy ending he is just an innocent baby boy and it breaks my heart that he is going through this! I cant wait to have him home in his bed with his bone and I will definetlty be spending his first night home sleeping right beside him!

[Beauty's Kathy]

Hi

I know that Foru is your Soul Companion and you will do everything you can to help him. I know exactly how you feel.. Stay strong for Fou-- I personally believe that love and caring can help with the healing process .

Foru has lots of Angels and Guardians on his side...and sounds like great vets. I hope they figure out what is wrong so he can get fixed up.

Wishing for a Christmas miracle for Foru

Kathy

[Forusmom]

Thank you so much Kathy!

We are all set for tomorrow at UVS in Latham NY with Dr. Jeff Bay. Our vet is putting togethor a comprehensive transfer package with all of his lab results, ultrasounds , etc.
Time is at a standstill, I dont know what the tomorrow will bring .
My vet attempted the conversation with me that this could be very costly and in the end it comes down to his quality of life.
I told him that when and if I hear this is terminal or not correctable I will have to come to terms, but for now I am going to do whatever it takes until I hear otherwise. He said that was reasonable. The worry and stress are crippling. I have to continue to power of positive thinking, and know that even if there is something severly wrong with that left kidney he can survive a normal life with one kidney. That for me is worst case scenario until I hear otherwise.
Appt is at 2:00 pm EST and is 1.5 hrs from our home. I will attempt an update from the Hospital after our consult if possible from my phone, no gaurantee's on service up there. Please keep him in your prayers, I will get some new photo's of him too. The one I have posted was taken a few weeks ago. It is amazing what illness can do to a small dog in such a short period of time. He is very thin, and looks very sad, and his little face just looks so small and sad inside that cone. He has tubes everywhere for his IV and catheter, and it breaks my heart to see him like this. In my heart I have felt that things would be okay in the end, but tomorrows visit could change both our lives forever. I want to make a promise to Foru. If he pulls through this I will make sure the rest of his days make this week worth every second. He has never been to a doggy park, or swimming. He has had a few playdates and makes friends wherever he goes. He is a complete love bug, with such a loving and people pleasing disposition. My favorite thing about him is the eye contact. he always looks everyone right in the eye! What he doesnt know is when he does that to me I can see right into his heart. Gotta go for now.

[Forusmom]

Hello Friends,
Foru is resting comfortably at the Animal Hospital in New Baltimore NY. His appetite improved today : ) so I am very happy about that.
His catheter is going to be removed tomorrow in preparation for his transfer to Latham. It has now been in place for over 72 hrs which is a bit long  so it will need to be removed, and replaced tomorrow even if he is still unable to pass urine on his own.
His bloodwork has also improved significantly and is nearly within normal " range".
At this point I dont know what tomorrow will bring, so please keep my little monkey in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow.
When I spoke to his Dr. this evening he seemed optimistic, IMO.
I am praying this is all just a terrible infection that we have under control. The Dr. says it's possible, but unlikely and asked me to prepare myself for the worst , and hope for the best.
They warned me to be prepared for the expenses and that I should keep in mind that after all of the tests there may be nothing that can be done to correct whatever is going on with him.
I told the vet that I dont believe in my heart that this is terminal, and until I hear otherwise I am going to do everything in my power to identify the issue and correct it.
Tomorrow is payday, so that is one less worry because I think I will have enough to cover his last 3 days at our vet. I was also able to get approved for a $1000 payday loan which will go into my acct tomorrow  to cover his consultation with the specialist, and I can put the difference towards whatever additional treatment is necessary.
I have my documents into IMOM just in case,  with the execption of the vet estimate which I wont have until tomorrow but I pray to God I wont need it and I can cover his bill so whatever funds might be available can go to other fur babies in need .
Whatever happens tomorrow , I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for all the support we recieved this week.
Not everyone is an animal lover , and not everyone understands or should I say has experienced for themselves the bond a human and an animal can share.
For those people I feel sad. They dont know the joy, and unconditional love an animal like my monkey can bring.
For those that dont believe in love at first sight I remember the first time I held him and he looked directly into my eyes, while laying in my arms as a newborn would in the delivery room.
He was so still, calm, and serious, and he just stared as he always  does directly in my eyes like he knew..... I was his "Mom".
A friend of mine took a picture of that day for  me and I will attach it to share
 Love at First Sight.jpg   93.4K   13 downloads

[Forusmom]

IN MY HOUSE THERE ARE PETS ! Animals make a house
a home. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */________/＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門｜ • ♥

[Judy]

I am sending you POSITIVE THOUGHTS and PRAYERS for todays trip to the specialist...GSD's have a special spot in my heart and you and Foru have touched it deeply...

Will be checking in off and on this AM to see what is happening...GOOD LUCK and know that many are with you both in spirit today...Judy

[Forusmom]

Today is a good Morning!
My little Monkey is in good spirits, his catheter , IV, and cone, have been removed and he is thrilled! The vet thought it was best in preperation for his visit this afternoon to see what his little body does without them.
They needed to be changed today regardless because of the amount of time they have been in.
I am picking him up at noon, and off to the specialist we go.
He was not offered food today , also in preparation for his visit, as it may of may not be necessary to fast for necessary tests.
Today I am a robot, going through the motion of my day.
This afternoon cant come quick enough , I just want 2:00 behind me so I can tell stories to my monkey about all the really bad things I feared and how thankful I am to have him in my life.
Naps, we need quite a few naps this weekend.......and toys, tug toys, balls, and perhaps even my favorite slippers that he just loves to chew!
What the heck, they are slippers and can be replaced. I have a sneeking suspicion if I gave them to him he wouldnt chew them. But he does like to bite them once in a while, but only when I am not looking!
Today is the 1st day of the rest of our lives, and togethor we will deal with whatever comes our way this afternoon.
Thank you all for the tremendous support.
Foru and I will be in touch this afternoon.
Please keep my little monkey in your thoughts and prayers !
God Bless you all!
Dawn, and Foru

[Judy]

What a beautiful post...and know that I for one have you both with me today...I can't wait for you to get to the specialist...

Judy

[Forusmom]

Not the news we were hoping for Foru needs emergency surgery and it can't be done here. He needs to be transferred to Cornell and the specialist can't give me an estimate because all hospitals and surgeons pricing is different . He told me at UVS is Latham I'd be looking at 5 to 6 thousand dollars . He said I need to make a decision today because there is a good chance he could die before Monday if he doesn't get the surgery. Good news is he feels it is all secondary to an awful infection and not a congenital defect or anything. He also has an absess in his left kidney. he said if I could not come up with the money euthanasia is the only other option.  At this point I am stuck I don't even have an estimate I could provide imom for assistance and I've exhausted all funds with the exeptions of around 900 left and I have received the bill yet fir today so apprx 250 of that will be gone in 30 mins.......

[Judy]

We you denied Care Credit?

You apply right online and get the answer immediately...you can also apply over the telephone.

Call Cornell or the other vet and see if they accept it...

ALOT of vets and other places do...

You can borrow money for TWO YEARS INTEREST FREE as long as you pay the minimum amount each month that they ask and then have the full amount paid off in two years to the date...

CALL RIGHT NOW!!!!!  I am so sad...Judy

[Beauty's Kathy]

You have come so far in such a short time.  Don't give up now. Call Cornell and tell them your situation and find out what they can do to help you get help for Foru.

Check out Mia's thread...I think she was accepted there and also got some financial help through Cornell's program.

If you can have copies of all the tests and xrays (they do them online now) and get it over to Cornell, maybe they can give IMOM an estimate.

We are all pulling for you. I wish I were rich so I could take care of all it.

Ok, Magic *(LBK)  please work some magic for Foru

Kathy

[Michele W]

Dawn, I'm so sorry the news wasn't better. Foru has touched many lives here on the forum and we're all pulling for him, and for you. Why not get the estimate in to Imom and see if the money can be raised over the weekend?

Is there any possibility that a non-specialist would be willing to do the surgery, for a lower cost?

Is there any possibility you could get a loan? from a bank or family or friends?

All best,
Michele

[Forusmom]

I am going to fax the records and paperwork to Cornell when I get home I am still am HR from home and my heart has been ripped from my chest. I did get approved for a 1000 loan yesterday and from that I have 363 dollars left .
I need a miracle  . Hopefully Cornell can complete an estimate for imom with the records. Foru was admitted to the emergency clinic and put back on iv fluids and his catheter for tonight and according to the vet needs to be moved to Cornell tomorrow morning for surgery . He doesn't feel he will make it until monday

[Judy]

Did you read my post about Care Credit?  Have you applied??

You can do it online or on the telephone and the answer is immediate...

You have two years to pay it off interest free...see if the vet clinics will accept that for payment...Judy

[Forusmom]

I did apply on the imom site the other day the denied me saying I had to few open credit Accts.
I went there first in the hopes I had funds available in the case of bad news today.
I should be home within the HR am still on the road . Not thinking to clear but I need to get his records faxed ASAP and hopefully someone at Cornell cam get us an estimate.

[Michele W]

Dawn, you're a great mom who is doing everything you can for your wonderful puppy. Did the vet say exactly what the diagnosis was, and what kind of surgery needs to be done?

All best,
Michele

[Forusmom]

Hello Everyone,
Please keep Foru in your prayers tonight.....things are not looking good for him right now.
The Patient Assistance Fund staff at the hospital does not work weekends.
The vet just called back after recieveing my fax and is  unable to complete the VPIF until she sees him tomorrow.
We are over 5 hrs from Cornell and Foru is just under 3 hrs and we need to pick him up in the morning before heading up there.
They will not proceed with surgury without at least 50% deposit and there are no exceptions.
I cant put the horse before the cart.  All of these things take time, and unfortunately my little monkey is out of time....
And none of this can be completed in order to comply with IMOM's procedures.
I just got the email below regarding our pending application.
I didnt think things could get any worse, and just prayed my little monkey wasnt terminally ill.
The vet said there are no congential abnormalites, and with surgery they expect a full recovery and normal life.
I need to think....... I didnt expect any of this, and had a really positive feeling today, Foru and I had a really nice ride up to the hospital and he was thrilled when he got in the car tail wagging, kisses in the air.....I have to go for a little bit.
This has been the hardest week of my life. I feel helpless .....
Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers, he could use them now more than ever....


Please understand there is no possible way IMOM would be able to cover the full cost of any surgery, if your application is approved. Also if surgery happens before we have a chance to review your case, we would not be able to assist financially.Time is crital for you to get us your documents ASAP.
Cornell also has a Patient Assistance Fund you should talk to them about right away tomorrow.

[Tammy L.]

Please understand that this case not yet gone before the committee for discussion.


IMOM has limited funds and we try our very best to help every pet that comes to us for assistance.


Tammy-IMOM

[Judy G]

We all know IMOM would do whatever they could.

I just feel so badly for Dawn.  She has been told Foru needs the surgery tomorrow if he is to live-yet she can't even complete her application without an estimate, and the vet won't give an estimate until they see Foru...the surgery can't be done without 50% down, but there will be no time to raise any money.  And if the surgery is done, IMOM can't pay for it.  And even though it's an emergency, the patient assistance people don't work on weekends.   It just seems like a catch-22, and I understand Dawn's feeling  totally helpless and overwhelmed.  

And poor little Foru is only 12 weeks old. This just breaks my heart.  This is when I wish I had Bill Gates' money.  :(  All I can do is pray and hope there is a solution somehow.

Judy G.

[Forusmom]

It does feel like a catch 22, but I found that when I stopped cyring and took a moment to compose myself in popped a link to our application which I just completed.
I understand it cant be approved until the vet see's Foru tomorrow, but I havent given up hope and there is too much to do I cant waste any time falling apart.
I could never live with myself knowing I did not do everything in my power to save this precious boy's life.
I can honestly say if it were not for IMOM, and this community of support I dont know where we would be today.
My litle man has been through a tough week, fighting for his life. I want to thank everyone at IMOM and the IMOM community from the bottom of my heart.
I nearly lost it tonight, but I know I need to stay strong and maintain hope for Foru.
I did not expect what transpired in the last 24 hrs, I had such a positive feeling this morning, and when we left the vets for our trip to Albany he seemed so happy I was praying I may even be able to take him home tonight. He had a talk on the way up in the car and he was "all for it".
To have to re-admit him and hook him up to all those tubes just broke my heart.
He is down to 14 lbs, he looks so frail. Not the big healthy puppy I had a week ago.
I took a few photo's of him today, but could not bring myself to post them because when I looked at the pictures they were just too sad. He doesnt even look like the same puppy. He has a blockage in his intestines also, which they believe is secondary to the same bacterial infection that just invaded his little body. The vet did a thorough ultrasound of his entire  abdomen and found no evidence of a congential defect. He fully beileievs with surgery to remove the blockage he will lead a normal, and healthy life, and will be able to eat, pee, poop, and play like he was doing a week ago. Foru loves life, he is such a joy and such a happy soul.he makes friends wherever he goes. I will be in touch very soon, right now I need to get to work on raising some money so my little monkey can have his surgery and come home again to continue being a puppy! God Bless you all! I will be in touch soon! Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers, he needs them now more than ever!