Dog "Kiddo" in Need and Faith in Humanity

Almost anyone with a truly beloved pet knows the human agony when our "kids" ail. If we don't have human children, these furry or feathered companions contribute something just as meaningful to our lives. For those with children, I've been told and read that one's pet is considered another of their kiddos. In short, something deep within our humanity indelibly bonds us to our pets.

This week, my partner and I are gravely concerned about one of our own dog "kids."

Lifesaving Surgery for Copper

Copper (just below) came to us as soon as he was able to live away from his mother's breast. He came into our lives at a time when I idealized a dog, but I wasn't sure that I wanted a Beagle. As a kid, my neighbor's pack of Beagles roamed about the sticks bothering my dogs. However, the baby Copper, who almost drove me - and some of our neighbors at the time - insane with his baying, grew over the past year-and-a-half to be honestly be my "Beagle Best Friend."

In many ways, my partner and I's relationship was saved by this little fellow. We had just moved to a new city. He couldn't find work. I couldn't settle into my routine. And, we desperately needed a mutual calming, focusing force in our everyday lives. Now, getting a Beagle wasn't necessarily a calming force, but Copper was a force nevertheless. And, he forced his way into my hesitant heart, and I am by no means ready for him to physically depart!

BUT

Copper ingested something within the past week, which is causing him a great deal of pain. While his bowels are not completely closed off, he needs a very expensive surgery, very soon, or he will not make it. At the least, the surgery could cost $1,200, but if more damage has been done to the digestive track, we are looking at up to $4,000 in veterinary bills. Sometimes, it's time to say "goodbye." My partner, I, nor our vet believe it is that time. Still, we can't do it without help. Right now, he's pumped full of fluids, painkillers, and antibiotics, but these are stop-gaps.

Already, a very significant portion of my faith in humanity is restored and growing since last night. In desperation, I simply put aside my pride and started an online fundraiser for Copper's surgery. As of this writing, we've received a little more than a quarter of the goal amount. But, this will only cover the exploratory surgery, and the removal of any item if it's readily accessible. If anything more, such as removal and/or reattachment of any portion of the bowel be necessary, the cost will skyrocket considering the surgery and post-surgical care needed.

I, we, could never be more grateful than we already are to those who've given monetarily or shared the fundraiser extensively within their networks. These are truly wonderful people. Many of them do not know my partner or me from "Adam's off side," so to speak. And, no matter what, they will always hold a dear place in my heart.

If you are one of those people, you magnify what it means to care for the least in a world of often selfish ambition. Thank you so very much for your generosity and magnanimity!

If you care to give or share: Lifesaving Surgery for Copper