This Sweet Rescue Dog Had Complications At Birth And Now He’s In Need Of Spinal Surgery Which His Family Hopes Will Help Him To Be Able To Swim Again
Warwick, Rhode Island. Laura Barlow and Kenneth Nardozza have organized a GoFundMe for their adorable English Bulldog, Felix.
Felix is just over one year old and suffered from various health issues after experiencing umbilical cord complications at birth.
“He was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his waist,” Barlow wrote, “He is a diapered dog who has some moderate incontinence. He also does not have feeling in or control over his back two legs.”
Felix uses a wheelchair and was first taken in by Opie’s Special Needs English Bulldog Rescue. “We adopted him from Opie’s and moved to Rhode Island in February of 2021,” Barlow said.
Felix is a happy boy who especially loves to swim. While most of his wounds from the umbilical cord complications had healed, though, there is still a wound above Felix’s spinal cord that is keeping him out of the water.
“Water can facilitate the movement of bacteria into the spinal cord,” Barlow said, “We would love for Felix to be able to swim again.”
GoFundMe; pictured above is Felix
The raised money would be allocated toward a spinal surgery for Felix. “Felix has an open wound on his dorsal midline,” Barlow said, “It was determined that the wound is open and there is communication between the skin surface and the spinal cord.”
The fundraising goal was set to nine thousand dollars and would cover Felix’s MRI and hemilaminectomy surgery- which would take place at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University. Felix received an outpouring of love on the GoFundMe, which has already surpassed the fundraising goal. Currently, Felix’s cause is just shy of ten thousand dollars.
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The community of donators left numerous uplifting and sentimental notes on Felix’s page. Many of the donations were inspired by passed fur friends of their own.
“In memory of Woody- who didn’t get the chance at life that I hope this sweet baby Felix does. May he have the happiest and healthiest life that his caretakers can provide,” wrote Deniz Cetinkaya, who donated fifty dollars.
“In memory of my three bestest girls: Toosie, Murphy and Shelby,” wrote Kerry Spaulding, who donated one hundred dollars.
On October 25th, Barlow posted a sentimental thank you update for everyone following Felix’s journey. “Thank you so much to everyone who donated to help Felix! We appreciate your generous support,” Barlow wrote.
“Felix has completed his x-rays and MRI. His surgery is scheduled for Monday, November 29, 2021.” After Felix completes his surgery, Barlow plans to post another update.
As any pet lover would be, Barlow and Nardozza were shocked and grateful for the immediate support. “We never knew if we would raise enough money and we are very thankful. He is a wonderful pup and it is so amazing to see so much love and support for him,” the two said.
If you would like to continue donating to Felix’s recovery, you can do that here.
Any extra money will be allocated towards Felix’s follow-up appointments, medicine, and special equipment.
More About:Animals
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