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Posted 6/29/2013 8:31 PM (GMT 0)
I know some won't understand but I don't know where else to share it. My dog's vet just called (never a good sign on a Saturday) and we found out my sweet puppy boy has heartworms. I am devestated and I can't quit crying.

He's a member of our family and I feel so helpless. The treatments cost $900! And since I rarely get a full paycheck because I miss days for flares and a zillion doctor appointments I have no clue how I can come up with that kind of money.

So if i cant afford it... Am i supposed to put him down? The tought just breaks my heart.

Im sorry to go on amd on but I'm heartbroken and my 16 year old keeps leaving the room so I suspect he's crying too. I'm the mom and I'm supposed to fix everything. I don't know how to fix this. And that dogs (and of course my kids) are all I have.

God, this is breaking my heart. shakehead

Again, I know some folks won't understand why I'm so upset over a dog but he's our family... Its just the four of us. He's very important. And he's one of the main reasons my son fought so hard with his cancer last year. How can I just let him die?
Posted 6/29/2013 8:45 PM (GMT 0)
QT, I understand 1000%...and emphasize. We are cat people and love our furry babies to pieces. Yes, they are part of the family.

I don't know how well you know you vet but talk to him/her...see if there's anything they can do to reduce the price and/or spread it out over a payment period. And no, you should not just let him die if you can at all avoid it. Talk the vet ASAP and let them know your situation and see if they are willing to work with you and your family.
Posted 6/29/2013 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
A relative adopted a dog whose owner did not accept $$ responsibility for treatment & vet arranged for payments.

Talk to your vet about that & also ask about medical grants.. explain just a bit about about fact that You have medical issues..
look online too

I do understand - we love our fur babies..
Posted 6/29/2013 8:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lindsey,

I'm soooooo sorry for the news you received. I've got a soft spot for dogs so reading this makes me feel very sad. I understand how you must be feeling.

Is there a public animal clinic that may be able to help him?
Maybe your vet can provide you with some advice? Talk to the vet and see if they can be of any help. Do you have to make the payment in full? Can the vet make some arrangements to have you pay in installments?

I hope something works out...

Hugsss
UA
Posted 6/29/2013 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, I am so sorry to hear about the demise of your dog. I understand how you feel, we have a cat named Skittles and belongs to my son. We lost our cat, she escaped from our house. I was absolutely mortified, since she was a housecat and declawed. My son, could not function without Skittles.To make a long story short, my husband found her. He walked around our neighbor hood for about 6 hrs...he would holler for Skittles. He proceeded to walk toward our home, she followed my husbands voice and ended walking up to our front door with my husband in hand! That felt like Christmas arrived. Skittles was gone for four days, without food.

Is it possible to ask your vet, to make installment payments? I am also sorry to hear your son was diagnosed with cancer. I hope he is faring well? I believe you will make the best decision for your dog. No one would like to make an onerous decision like you.

Please take care,
Regards,
Sandra




mad mad mad cry
Posted 6/29/2013 9:20 PM (GMT 0)
I get it...I am a big animal lover and have done everything I can to pay for the things my pets have needed. I lost my first dog, (grew up with cats), at only 4 years old and he had a rare illness so we had to give him IV medications every day. I used my camera tripod to use as an IV pole at home!

Most Vets will absolutely work with you. Start calling all your friends and family and see what they can loan you. Look around your home and see what you could possibly even sell. Then you can put as much down as you can and then ask to set up payments for the rest. These are all things I have had to do the last few years as my dog I have now has needed medical treatment for various things.

Did he get the heartworm even with taking the monthly medication? Or was this something they never tested for and they think the dog had this already....I'm just asking in case you were sold a puppy who was already sick or did you get him at a shelter?

Certainly sending some hugs (( ))
Posted 6/29/2013 9:31 PM (GMT 0)
And just wanted to add...that if for some reason you are at a place where they won't take payments or you can't find people that want to loan you the money then PLEASE contact every single person you know by phone/Facebook/Twitter to ask if they will take on the dog themselves instead of having them put down...

Heartworm should be able to be treated so I would hate to think of the puppy getting put down for this.

I certainly hope that it all works out for you all to figure out a way to come up with the money...As I mentioned...I even went to a pawn shop and sold stuff around my house like my bike, rollerblades, etc. to pay for the Vet bills for my dog.

Keep us posted..
Posted 6/29/2013 10:19 PM (GMT 0)
There's something called "care credit". It's like a credit card except a lot easier to get. You can apply for it online and you get approved or denied instantly. If you get approved, they give you the number so that you can use it immediately even before you get the physical card.

It can be used for human medical needs (dental, medical, etc) OR it can be used for vet care. You apply for the amount you think you'll need (in your case you'd put $900) and you give your household income.

I got approved for a 500 dollar limit...and I put that my monthly income is $800.

How the card works is this...you use it like a credit card...and then depending on how much you spend...you have anywhere from 6-18 months to pay off whatever the bill was in monthly installments.

so if you spend 900...you would have 18 months if not more...to pay it off...so thats 50 bucks a month...a LOT better than 900 up front and it helps build up your credit...and like I said....you dont have to have a lot of income to get approved...AND theres no interest applied unless you miss a payment so you only pay what you owe.

Check it out. The site is carecredit.com

I did it when I was in the same boat as you. My dog had an emergency and I had no way to pay...
Posted 6/29/2013 10:25 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the responses everybody.... He was on preventative medicine called 'Trifexis' but after my son got sick and we had astronomical bills related to that... I was a few weeks late with a dose. They figured he got but by a mosquito during that time.

I called the guy I had my hot date with tonight and he said he'll give me the money put aside for the date to help so that's 150. This vet isn't very lenient with payments so that's why I going to call every place I can on Monday to see if I can find someone that will. I applied for Care Credit and was turned down :-( And I borrowed a lot when William was sick so I'm not sure if I have anyone that can help again.

I did post on FB asking for any possible help. I may have to get that second job despite doctor's orders. This doggy cannot die without me trying everything. He had to have an emergency surgery last year after his Fl vet botched his neutering and that cost a thousand dollars. I just have to wait for a miracle again. :(
Posted 6/29/2013 10:43 PM (GMT 0)
There are some places that will adjust cost based on ability to pay or at least let you make payments. So definitely call around. Also call your local humane society, a lot of times they have funds for this type of thing or they have low cost vet care in their back pockets.

Not sure where you live, but "Hearts United for Animals" is an organization that assists families of the Midwest region with vet care for their animals when the families are unable to pay.

There's also Angels4Animals, The Pet Fund, and other non-profit organizations that exist for this exact purpose. Check those out and see if you can't find one to help out.
Posted 6/29/2013 10:54 PM (GMT 0)
thanks for that information! I'm praying for a miracle. :(
Posted 6/29/2013 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
And saying it again, but there are plenty of people or organizations as LexiRae that will either donate or find a good home this puppy if you can't care for him so PLEASE don't put him down as this is an easily treated illness.

Maybe even at your job you can ask around for people to donate.
Posted 6/29/2013 11:04 PM (GMT 0)
Putting him down is NOT an option... Unless he is too far into.the infestation that it would cause him pain.

I will move us in with friends to help us save up the money if I have to. I already can't stop sobbing... I can't imagine if he was put down.
Posted 6/29/2013 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
I would think that if you have been using the medications the last year as well as having his yearly check up and tests that it shouldn't be far along at all. The Vet would also have told you today whether or not it looks plausible to be helped with treatment....most heartworm is treatable.

And I just mentioned being put down because you wrote it in a few posts about if you couldn't pay for it that this is an option....

So, that is why I said that if it got to be where you couldn't afford to care for him that giving him to someone else/organization is the way to go instead of putting him down.

Believe me, we all get it as there are many pet lovers here and as I mentioned, I sold things, gave up my computer/cell phone at the time and and borrowed from good friends and family to help.

So you don't have any family that is willing to help?

Sending hugs (( ))

Posted 6/29/2013 11:17 PM (GMT 0)
Chances are, if he was on consistent heartworm medication and he only missed that one dose by a few weeks, then the worms were caught in the really early stages and the treatment should be successful after one round.

Generally its when it goes unnoticed and unchecked for an extended period that things get bad. Age and overall health are also a factor. He's been in a loving home, being fed as he should, and has a family fighting for him...that makes a difference, just like it does for people. And as long as he's not at the end of his life span, he should be able to come through the treatment just fine.

Post Edited (LexiRae) : 6/29/2013 5:20:36 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/29/2013 11:18 PM (GMT 0)
I'm so sorry that your dog is so sick. I don't have anything to add, except that I'm behind you, and I understand completely.

love and hugs
Loretta
Posted 6/29/2013 11:24 PM (GMT 0)
QT, Care Credit is a great alternative if you can do that. I actually use my Care Credit card for dental and vet bills. In fact, I have 2 vet bills coming up in July: a senior wellness for our 18 year old boy (that'll run around $300), and a dental cleaning for our 12 year old girl (that will start at $750 and could go up to $1,000 or more).

The good thing about Care Credit is that you have either 6 months or 12 months to pay off the charges without any interest. If this is something that could work for you with the vet, you need to check if they participate in this program.

Good luck and I hope that you will soon have all that you need to get your puppy well.
Posted 6/30/2013 12:00 AM (GMT 0)
You actually have up to 18 months, depending on how high your bill is...but she already applied and got denied unfortunately.

But I was wondering, QT, do you have a family member or friend who would apply for the card using their name and income and then let you use the card and handle the payments? It's a favor but it's something that's doable and doesnt cost anything for those who want to give you money and can't.
Posted 6/30/2013 12:09 AM (GMT 0)
QT,

So sorry about your pup. We've had some pretty expensive vet bills for our baby.

I'm not sure what state your in some I'm hoping this link will help.

www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html#Assistance_by_state
Posted 6/30/2013 12:17 AM (GMT 0)
JAD...what a GREAT website as it has a lot of options!!!

QT...it says right there in the upper right hand that if your pet is requiring emergency treatment contact them now through that link. So that is in addition to looking over the other options in your state..

So in between everything we have suggested with selling something, money from your date and/or friends, family co-workers, finding a co-signer for the Care Credit, and then these other organizations you should be able to get the help you need:)

And btw, what an extremely caring and wonderful guy that you were going on the date with to just give you that money! How generous and kind!! I would keep him around as that is a big heart and love for animals:)

Post Edited (Snowbunny21) : 6/29/2013 6:21:07 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/30/2013 1:18 AM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry I disappeared... I went and took a nap with my pup. Thank you so much for all the inflation posted. That website is fantastic... I've already bookmarked it so I can contact each and every one.

We go in on Monday to get his blood redrawn so they can strain it and see if there are baby heartworms and/or eggs in his bloodstream. We talk about money then too. And during my first post I was a bit hysterical and just trying to figure out what I'm supposed to do... Putting him down won't happen unless they tell me it's the only way.

We don't have much left to sell since we sold everything last year for my son but I'm going to figure something out. He's a member of my family and I won't stop until he's cured.

Last year Max almost died after a botched nurturing and he had to have emergency surgery that costs 1000 and I came up with it. I just have to do it again.

Thank you all for not laughing at me being so upset over my dog. He's my family. On top of all your suggestions I'm going to keep looking for other ways to get the money and it'll all work out. :-) It has to. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart
Posted 6/30/2013 1:37 AM (GMT 0)
qt - sorry to hear about your situation, never an easy answer, and as much as we all love our pets, sometimes that tough choice has to be made. hope you have an alternative to that, sincerely.

2 years ago, we had no choice but to put down our long time family dog, according to the vet and based on the age of the dog when we adopted her from the pound, she had just turned 21 years old. very old for a large breed dog. the vet was estimating "repair" bills above 2,500 bucks, and said even if we spent the money, the dog would still likely die in a year.

it was a tough decision to put her down. had to get my oldest son help me when the time came, I could no longer pick up the dog. we stayed with her the entire time and process, so that she wouldn't be alone or scared. she didn't have a clue what was going on, and to be honest, she simply got drowsy, laid down by our feet, and went out with out a whimper. I was there the entire time, and she did not suffer in any way. very thankful for that part. yes, it was heartbreaking, but I still feel we did the right thing by her, I did not want her to suffer another moment in her faithful life. if there is a dog heaven, Sandy is in it.

hope your dog is well enough to justify spending the money, assuming you can work out that part. and that we get to hear a happy ending to your story. will keep all my fingers crossed for you.

david
Posted 6/30/2013 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
Check out the website GOFUNDME, it is an online fundraising site that anyone can post to. There are categories for Pets, Families, Schools, Groups, just about anything you can think of. People are asking for help for, vacations, business startup, emergencies, cars, greed, you name it its there. Some of the stories are over the top, but alot are really touching. Complete strangers helping each other.

This would be an appropriate site for anyone that finds themselves in a bind! I had a friend diagnosised with cervical cancer when she was 32 weeks pregnant, she posted for help with temporary daycare while she was going thru chemo and got help from tons of people.

Its worth a shot when you have no other options, in the future you could do the same for someone else if you find yourself able.

Good luck,
Shell
Posted 6/30/2013 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
I just wanted to share with you.... I filled out the Care Credit application at the dentist last month and was denied.

Well I figure it doesn't hurt to try again since so many folks here mentioned it. And I got instant approval for $500! That's more than half!

Thank you guys for the suggestions! OMG! This is a miracle! One with a high interest rate but still a miracle!
Posted 6/30/2013 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
Hi QT_Pye78 I just wanted to add that Trifexis is given by weight and I don't know what type of dog you have, but my dog has been on Trifexis for going on two years now, and last month I had to get the tablets for a higher weight. My Pumpkin (she is a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel) has gained some weight over the last six month, just as I have. LOL and When I got the six month dose pack of Trifexis  I had to go with the higher weight dosage. My vet said it was very important to make sure she got the proper amount for her weight other wise it would not be effective. Just something to keep in mind when giving your dog the monthly medication.

White Beard

PS I just wanted to add that I do know where your coming from, My Pumpkin is my friend and buddy, and means everything to me! They are much much more than just pets! They  truly are a members of the family and should be treated as such! 

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