First things first: Hello! My name is Carol and I am writing for my 2 year old puppy, Levi. I saw him in a pet store window when he was five months old (the oldest puppy there)- a mix of Lord only knows and he stole my heart with his bright blue eyes and bounds of energy. He is my first dog and I can honestly say I had no idea what I was getting into. (Does anybody really?!) He's been patient with me though, and he has taught me about truly selfless love.
How it started: In October last year Levi had his first seizure. After seeing the vet I was told that it may be the only one he ever has and was sent home. In November he had the second. That one was over thirty minutes of back to back legs thrashing, lips curled over teeth, buckets of drool pouring out of his mouth, followed by very heavy breathing technically called Grand Mal seizures. He was immediately put on an anti-seizure drug, Phenobarbital, with regular check ups. In December he had another, and another on January 1st.
The last weekend in January he had 9 grand mal seizures in three days. I took him to the emergency vet clinic Sunday night but didn't have the 800 dollars they were going to charge for me to leave him there over night for medicine and care. I took him home then to the vet on Monday and was sent home with a higher dose of Phenobarbital. Tuesday morning when I was getting ready for work in the morning I noticed facial ticks and body shakes - what is medically called Petit Mal seizures. I took him to the vet again - in the 7 minute ride to the vet he had two in the car and waiting to see the vet he had countless more. He was put on Potassium Bromide as a supplement to the Phenobarbital as well as Diazepam - or Valium. They convinced me to keep him overnight. The next day I called an animal neurologist and made an appointment. It was at that appointment 3 days later that I found out my dog had not only been misdiagnosed as Epileptic but was also taking medicine that was toxic to him.
He still needs tests to find out what the cause of the seizures are, but thankfully he is taking seizure medicine that is not toxic for him. The tests that need to be run are between 2 and 3 thousand dollars.
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Friday July 29th: As an update Levi was doing much better for aproximately a month and a half but the seizures have returned and the need to get levi the test is increasing. The money that has been generously donated thorough pop cans as well as monetary donations has been instramental in getting Levi his daily medicine and frequent follow-up tests he needs to check his blood and Potassiam Bromide levels.
Levi had another seizure this morning and the test that the money is being raised for would scan his brain and spine to see if the cause can be found there. The neurologist believes this will answer the big question as to what is causing these seizures.
Community caring: I am 25 and just starting out at my first 9 to 5 job. I have spent everything I had saved and have run out of funds. That doesn't mean that I have run out of hope or willpower to do everything I can for Levi. I mentioned at work that I was thinking of a bake sale and I was given the idea for a can/bottle drive. That same day I was given 66 dollars in cans to return from employees at the market research company I work for. The next day an anonymous donor put 150 dollars on my account at the vet neurologist I was going to see on Saturday. I have posted well over 700 fliers on doors in and around the neighborhood I live in and was given over 800 dollars in both can/bottle donations and money with encouraging notes and letters (one of notes mentioned this website to check out). I am so appreciative for each and every thoughtful word and donation!
What more could I ask: If you are looking at this website because of a flier I put on your door, thank you. Any amount of cans or bottles helps a great deal! As an update - I have been out posting fliers for Levi four weekends. The last time I was out - in mid-may was the best weekend yet. It is so encouraging to see the gap between the cost and the total amount raised get smaller.
Monetary contributions are, of course, welcome and necessary to get Levi the help he needs. The neurosurgeon said the CAT scan and Spinal Fluid Tap will cost anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 dollars. The animal hospital has an account there, if you would like to donate directly to Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, "OVRS", please call them at 248-334-6877. I believe you will need to know my name, Carol Denton, and please mention that the donation is for Levi. I also have a PO box for anyone who would like to make a contribution through US mail. The address is:
Carol Denton - PO Box 1033 - Union Lake, MI 48387
Kind words of encouragement or suggestions on other money raising ideas would also be welcome and very helpful. Feel free to contact me through US mail or email me at helplevi@hotmail.com
Hope: I know the road ahead is a long one, but with faith and a lot of work Levi and I will both make it out at the end, stronger, happier, and much more healthy.
