Apollo is a 2-year-old Great Dane in Bealeton, VA, who needs $2,000 for abdominal exploratory surgery.

I’ve never owned my own dog, and I fell in love with my husband’s Great Dane, Zeus. He decided to get me my Apollo for my Birthday in 2019. He has been a very healthy boy until this month, and only required regular checkups with the vet. He is the only pet in our family with such a comical personality and a complete mama’s boy.

Apollo is my heart. He sticks to me like Velcro and helps me tremendously with my mental health although he is not a prescribed emotional support animal, he absolutely is mine. We love each other so incredibly much, and this last month has been completely heartbreaking for both of us. He has been through so much since the beginning of June, and it’s taken a huge toll on both of us.

My job terminated me while I was in a hospitalization program, my husband is a Navy Vet who is in school full time on a GI bill. I just had back surgery a month ago and and still dealing with an incredible amount of chronic pain.

My poor guy has been through the ringer since June 3rd. First diagnosed with ulcers in his GI tract, prescribed medicine to heal that, which did not help. June 14th he was then diagnosed with HGE and given medications. June 17th diagnosed with bloat and pancreatitis, was hospitalized with no improvement. June 19th referred to ER vet and had to endure surgery. Still not positive on what’s wrong.

Apollo is my Velcro, house cow. He follows me everywhere. When I say everywhere l, I mean EVERYWHERE! He follows me to the bathroom, laundry room, closet, couch and if I walk in circles, he walks right next to me, just to be with me. He moos like a cow and howls at the top of the steps when I come home. He still chases his tail like a puppy and jumps on my shoulda to give me big hugs.