I never in a million years thought I would write one of these for my own dog. This is NOTHING to do with the rescue. My own dog Rugrat, who is a tan chiweenie has a mitral valve prolapse. This is where the heart does not clear all the blood it should, and the valve leaks. This will eventually cause congestive heart failure. The only hope besides just giving meds, is a new procedure that began in 2020 that is only done at the University of Colorado.
https://cvmbs.source.colostate.edu/csu-veterinary-team-performs-first-ever-heart-valve-procedure-on-schnauzer/
The rough cost is 12,000. But this could buy him years of life. This is a crazy amount of money to raise, but I thought why not at least try. Trying seemed better than watching him cough and just sitting here giving meds, and waiting for the fluid to come into his chest.
Rugrat is a huge part of Red Waggin and is even featured in our logo. He has faithfully been my buddy, and helped hundreds of dogs over the years. He has gone on nearly every transport we have ever done. He is now asking those he helped, to help him. Dying from being unable to breath has to be one of the worst ways. Being a dog mom is so full of blessings, yet so tough to watch your kid struggle. The tears are falling now, so I will close. Give your dog a hug tonight, and never forget trying even if you fail, is better than not trying at all. No matter what happens Ruggie, I love you.
