KISS~ME FUND

To know me is to know Kiss, she was mine from the moment we dreamed her into existence. She has injured herself, maybe slipping on the ice, we really aren't sure how it happened, and needs extensive medical treatment if we want any hope of her getting back to a life close to the one she had. We are so fortunate to have a wonderful team of doctors working with us to put her back togetheragain. It's been a tough winter and Kiss and I would really appreciate any help toward making ends meet as we go forward on her recovery journey.

Kiss's damage is to a vertebrae that is almost impossible to reach for surgery, and irritating nerves, causing a sciatica like pain. The treatment option we are trying is a series of three Depo-Medrol injections at the site over a six week span to alleviate the inflammation and minimize the pain so that she can go back to having fun. However, these treatments are not permanent, and will have to be repeated as needed (possibly every year or even more frequently) and will be supplemented by pain medication. The goal is for her to go back to at least some of the sports she enjoys so much, at whatever level is comfortable for her. Disc and dock diving are probably no longer on the table for her, but obedience will be, and possibly agility too. I am very hopeful.

For those who are curious about what the expenses are related to treating this sort of injury, the cost for the initial x-rays, consults, ultrasounds, mri and the first Depo-Medrol injection came to approximately $4000. The follow up treatments next week and four weeks after that will be approximately $600 each, followed up with another MRI at about $2000. These are extremely reasonable prices for the best veterinary care available. I am posting this because so often people don't talk about numbers and there are a lot of questions about what things cost.

Unfortunately, being self-employed, days off work to take Kiss down to VOSM are not paid either.

I believe that we are each responsible for the cost of our own dogs' healthcare, and it was very hard for me to reach out to the community and admit that, at this moment in time, I am really struggling to take care of my own, so I am extremely touched at the outpouring from so many kind people.

Kiss always gives her all to anything she undertakes, she has excelled in agility, dock diving, and disc, as well as being an amazing brood bitch and my absolute best friend. I am giving my all to making her well again, and will be forever in debt to all of you who help out.
Plus, it's your chance to get this fabulous tee iconic Speedoggie Go shirt, in stylish black that goes with everything!