Stowe Veterinary Clinic

Beau

Beau is a 8 year old Labrador Retriever in Waterbury, VT, who needs $500 for Ear Hematoma Surgery.

Waterbury, VT

Beau is our 8-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever, and he has been part of our family since the day he was born. He is our goofy, gentle giant, loyal to his core, and truly the dog that completes our family. With us since before our kids came along, Beau has grown right alongside us through every stage of life. If Beau is awake, he is nearby. If he is resting, he is usually flopped onto his back, insisting on belly rubs or bum scratches, completely convinced that this is the most important task at hand. He offers constant love, quiet companionship, and a steady presence that anchors our family. He is not just a pet. He is family. In 2022, Beau was diagnosed with both Addison’s disease and hypothyroidism. Since then, it has been a long and careful journey to dial in the right balance of medications to keep him stable and healthy. These conditions require ongoing monitoring and frequent adjustments, as his needs can change over time. Along the way, we have managed weight fluctuations, muscle loss, hair loss, digital cysts, and skin thinning. Thankfully, Beau has been on the right track recently, but maintaining that balance requires expensive routine care every month, and we are already at the limit of what we can afford just to keep him stable. Over the last month, Beau has also been battling a stubborn ear infection. Despite weeks of treatment, just two days before Christmas he developed an ear hematoma as a complication. While we caught it early and he is not in severe pain yet, his appetite has been inconsistent, and we know this condition will worsen if left untreated. Our veterinarian has advised that surgery is the best course of action, as simply draining the hematoma would likely result in it returning and could eventually cause permanent complications. Beau is under the care of Stowe Veterinary Clinic, and the recommended plan includes surgery to remove the hematoma, along with bloodwork to ensure his Addison’s and thyroid levels remain stable. Dr. Greg is optimistic that Beau should recover well from this surgery, and we are hopeful this will be the only procedure needed for this particular issue. The estimated cost for this treatment is at least $1,000, though we do not yet have the final bill. Coming immediately after Christmas, on top of Beau’s already significant and ongoing medical expenses, this has created a financial barrier we are struggling to overcome. Without assistance, we will have no choice but to take on additional credit card debt just to keep up with his care. What has been hardest emotionally is the fear that we will not be able to continue providing the routine care Beau depends on to stay healthy. We love him deeply, and we are committed to doing everything in our power to give him the life he deserves. Asking for help is not easy, but it means the chance to get him the care he needs now, before his condition worsens, and to keep our beloved dog with us for as long as possible. Our hope is simple. To give Beau a long, comfortable life filled with belly rubs, family time, and the love he gives us so freely every day. Thank you sincerely for taking the time to read Beau’s story and for considering support for his care.