Fergus’s vet bills

My 11 yr. old Labrador Retriever has been with me since a puppy. My ex wanted a purebreed, whereas I would have had any dog from the SPCA.  We got Fergus from a breeder of show dogs. Fergus was pigeon-toed which is very cute but maybe not the best for showing. He was always very high energy. As it turned out Fergus has been the best dog I ever had. He walked me through a depression when the ex left for Ireland. Fergus also missed him, waiting by the upstairs window every day until one day he realized he was not coming home and he chewed up a plastic bag, ripping it into pieces. He has never done a bad thing since. But he has done some funny things over the years. He has been the best dog in the world,  with so much personality that he managed to get into the hearts of people who don't even like dogs. He has made so many people happy and he insists on getting seen. He is my constant companion, is a beautiful boy. Anyway, last fall he started limping and was diagnosed with arthritis, so I started giving him cartrophen shots as prescribed by a vet in Burnaby, B.C. For awhile  first the shots seemed to help, but in the last couple of months his limping (left front leg) started getting worse and our walks became shorter and shorter. We have walked every day of his life. So last week I took him to my local vet and he was diagnosed with cancer of the bone - my options were to have him put down (as he was in a lot of pain) or amputation. I told the vet that he deserves another chance as he has given so much of himself to so many. So the next day his leg was amputated. He screamed all night after the procedure and I questioned whether I had made the right decision. But today, 5 days later, he is hopping around on 3 legs (with medication) and runs to the door to greet people like always. So far the vet bills have cost me over $3400.00 and the chemo will be $600/ treatment - 3 treatments in all. I am also researching natural remedies for his healing. I will keep track of his regime and how he is doing. Any info. re. natural 'cures' gladly accepted. I am paying on VISA which I cannot afford, now making minimum payments on the bills when they come. He has a prognosis of another 1 1/2 years or more, pain-free. One relative gave me $200.00 as he says "Everyone loves Fergus".  If and when I can, I want to help others who are in the same position as I am, by fundraising for people who cannot afford to help their pets. I will call it Fergus's Fund. I am even considering writing a book about Fergus.

   * Expenses include vet bills, medications and also new carpeting throughout house so he doesn't slip on my laminate flooring and hurt one of his remaining 3 legs. Copies of bills are available and can be emailed upon request. Any questions answered by email [email protected]