One of the most difficult parts of pet ownership is the cost of veterinarian services and keeping your canine friend healthy. Many pet owners are often faced with large vet bills that they are not in a position to pay.

Tragically, some pet owners who truly love their animals are faced with not being able to afford the medical services they need. It can be heartbreaking to see a veterinarian bill that is larger than what someone has in their bank account.

A family that rescued a German shepherd is now facing a huge veterinarian bill.

Mark Ewbank and Lynsey Wood adopted Mishka from the RSPCA in Doncaster. The German shepherd had been abandoned after being born on a puppy farm. She was forced to get pregnant and give birth to litter after litter until she was no longer of use to the farm owners.

When Mark and Lynsey adopted Mishka she was struggling with hair loss, ear infections, and severe allergies. Thankfully, she was given a loving home. After a couple of years with the couple, however, her health began to decline.

“After only two years of living with us, our poor girl cannot do half the things she could do previously,” Lynsey said.

“She loves nothing more than chasing squirrels up trees, but even this she can no longer do,” she continued.

Mark and Lynsey faced a shocking vet bill after osteoarthritis diagnosis

Mishka would need a costly double hip replacement surgery.

“Our vet has given us the treatment option we hoped we wouldn’t need, but that is now a double hip replacement at a cost of around £12,000 (£6000 per hip, done six months apart).”

Mark and Lynsey work as prison officers. The financial cost of Mishka’s surgery is beyond what they are able to afford on their own.

Mishka’s medical needs causing stress for the family.

“My boyfriend Mark and I are full-time prison officers,” Lynsey said.

“Our roles are stressful and extremely dangerous, and we have worked tirelessly during the pandemic.”

“However, we are still on relatively low wages for the risk we put ourselves in to keep the general public safe.”

“And now, the prospect of being able to save £12,000 within a space of time that would be most beneficial for Mishka is something we are struggling to comprehend with emotionally and financially.”

GoFundMe started to pay for 10% of Mishka’s surgery.

The couple started a GoFundMe to raise money for Mishka’s surgery. They aren’t looking to raise the full amount, however, just 10% of the cost.

“We decided to open a Go Fund Me page in the hope that we could get help in any small way to help us reach 10 percent of the cost,” said Mark.

“My biggest sin is pride and I try my hardest to never ask people for help or charity but I am going to do anything to give Mishka any chance she has at a comfortable life.”

“I miss the spirit she has so much it breaks my heart and I miss our walks that would help clear my mind of the chaos of work.”

Mishka surgery fund.

A link to the GoFundMe for Mishka’s surgery can be found here.

“Your funds are getting us closer to giving our beautiful young dog the pain-free life she deserves. Funds raised so far will pay for the X-rays Mishka is due to have this coming Monday. Once again, thank you from the bottom our hearts,” a description of the GoFundMe reads.

Mark and Lynsey are thankful to everyone who has donated as they seek to give Mishka the happiest most pain-free life they can.

“She is our best friend, our comedian, our chunky, furry daughter and we want her to be happy, pain-free and ready to continue living an exciting life ahead full of adventure,” Lynsey said.

Please consider donating to Mishka’s surgery fund.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: Yorkshire Live/GoFundMe