Help Bara get Thoracic duct ligation

Bara, my 8 yr-old Korean Jindo mix foster, came into Two Dog Farms Jindo Rescue in 2023, nearly dying from the mysterious repiratory virus killing many dogs during COVID, his coat matted with flea feces and skin full of blackheads. His prior owner had let another dog die on the premises, called the animal control to remove the body, and literally threw in Bara into the animal control van.

In July, VCA West Los Angeles diagnosed Bara with chylothorax: lymphatic fluid is leaking into his chest cavity, squeezing his heart and lungs, so he cannot breathe. He has had 1.7L, 2L, another 2L, and another 1.7L drained from his chest. His thoracic duct ligation is scheduled for 10/27-10/29 at UC Davis, where survival odds improve from ~50% to over 90%.

For 3 years, Bara’s entire world was the corner of my bedroom. Though his body healed, his fear remained. I even came to accept that he might never feel safe beyond my walls. Then, this June, he came out of his corner, wanting to go outside, sniff dogs and people, and give gentle kisses to hands held out. He even noticed a cat! He was finally curious about the world instead of afraid of it.

The surgery costs ~$20,000, far beyond the rescue's means. After contributing several thousand dollars myself, I need help to keep fighting for Bara. He has finally worked up the courage to step into the world. Now, we’re fighting to make sure he gets to stay in it.