Help Elsie James get Major tooth extractions, dental nerve block, — Grover Beach, CA

​Meet Sweet Elsie

Elsie James is a 14-year-old Maltipoo who brings endless warmth and joy to everyone she meets. Her favorite place in the world is held snugly in her mommy’s arms, getting a full-body rubdown, or riding shotgun in the car with the wind in her fur. At 14, she is still full of love, but right now, she is suffering silently and needs urgent help.

During a recent checkup, Elsie was diagnosed with severe periodontitis and gum disease. She has an active infection, a painful abscess, and several broken and missing teeth. Every bite of food and every movement of her mouth causes her significant pain.

​To relieve her suffering and prevent the infection from spreading, Dr. Laura Such at VCA South County Animal Hospital has determined that Elsie needs immediate oral surgery. Her recommended treatment plan includes a comprehensive dental evaluation, full-mouth dental X-rays, local nerve blocks, major tooth extractions, IV fluids, dedicated anesthesia, and in-hospital pain management to ensure she recovers safely.

Elsie has been a loving companion through every season of life over the last 14 years. The bond we share is built on years of unconditional love, comfort, and shared moments. Seeing her in pain from severe dental disease and an abscess breaks our hearts because she relies on us completely to protect her. Getting her this surgery isn't just about fixing her teeth; it's about restoring her comfort, letting her eat without pain, and giving her back the happy, peaceful quality of life she deserves for the rest of her senior years.

We love Elsie with all our hearts, and as a 14-year-old senior dog, she relies on us completely to keep her safe, happy, and healthy. Finding out that she is in severe pain from periodontitis, broken teeth, and an active abscess was devastating. Knowing that every single day she goes without treatment means another day of suffering makes getting her this surgery our absolute top priority.

​However, veterinary specialty procedures and senior dental surgeries are a major unexpected expense. With her total treatment plan coming out to $2,221.80–$2,777.25 at VCA South County Animal Hospital, the cost has unfortunately exceeded what our family can manage on our own right now. As much as we wish we could cover every penny out of pocket, we have hit a financial wall where we simply cannot bridge the gap without help.