The bond between a boy and his dog is undeniable - and the efforts that one Port Angeles, Washington boy has made to save his dog are inspirational.
When his German Shepherd mix, Max, began to exhibit unusual symptoms, his young owner went into action. Kyle Sholinder, 15, used social media to help raise funds for his dog's surgery after an initial veterinary diagnosis looked bleak - and expensive.
The Sholinder family first learned of Max's actual medical condition during a veterinary appointment last Thursday, February 14.
"Max has a back up of cranial fluid that is not draining properly," Kyle Sholinder explained.
On Wednesday, February 20, Max had his surgery - thanks to the support of those who donated to his cause. Dr. Sean Sanders at Seattle Veterinary Specialists performed the surgery, which lasted over 3 hours. Max will stay with the veterinarian until Monday.
According to Kyle's Mom, Kristy, the surgery went well.
"They found some unidentifiable tissue behind the bone growth that they sent off to have analyzed, but Dr. Sanders removed all that was visible," she explained.
"He still had a large build up of fluid in his brain, so one of the concerns is that the cavity left behind could pool with blood.
"The other big concern is that now that the fluid is gone and there is a large cavity there, everything is going to bounce back and it could cause inflammation in his brain."
Despite fundraising efforts the raised $9500, this family still needs help to pay for their veterinary costs.
"Between the pre-surgery appointment and the surgery, we are still short on funds. We are still hoping for more donations to cover the cost of this surgery. We just don't have enough money right now to cover it," she stated sadly.
On January 24, the Peninsula Daily News originally reported that the Sholinder family needed to raise money to save their dog's life.
Kyle Sholinder and his family held a fundraiser to save the dog that Kyle had rescued as a puppy.
"I've had Max for 5 years," Sholinder stated.
"He's a German Shepherd mix who came from a litter of puppies who were abandoned at the Elwah."
Max has been a loyal and loving friend ever since. A benefit concert for Max was held on February 4.
"It has been amazing to see all of the help I am getting," Kyle enthused.
"It has definitely been hard, stressful, and it required determination! I was completely out of energy by the day after the benefit."
The Sholinder family also set up a Facebook page for their German Shepherd called Save the Dog. In total, they have raised $9500. But they still need help to cover Max's veterinary costs.
"The surgery itself cost $7500, while there are other costs, like a $2500 dollar MRI and bloodwork consultation at the Seattle Veterinary Specialists Hospital. There will also be other costs, as well," Kyle stated.
This devoted family has tried so hard to save their loving dog's life - but they still need your help. Can you donate to help save Max? Their chipin account is here.
Updates to this story will be posted as they occur.
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