Please help Benny to live a pain-free life

Four and a half years ago delightful, rambunctious Benny came home from an animal shelter to live with Lisa. "He's brought a lot of love and laughter into our home," she says. He’s best known for his Houdini ability to escape a fully-fenced property, found by many a good Samaritan strutting carefree to destinations unknown.

Benny recently and unexpectedly developed severe tremors in his back legs making it difficult to stand. An X-ray revealed a possible ruptured disk in his spine and the early stages of calcification in his vertebrae. He was put on anti-inflammatories and pain killers, with 4-6 week bed rest to resolve symptoms.

Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated and he was referred to a specialist vet. A CT scan revealed he had two protruding disks, the worst being in his neck. Surgery is the only option for Benny. He has health insurance, which will just cover the $5,500 it has cost so far in vet bills. The surgery on his neck is going to cost an additional $9,000. Lisa believed the amount Benny was insured for would cover any eventuality, but it hasn’t worked out that way. There are no other options for little Benny.

"As uncomfortable as it is to ask for help towards covering Benny’s operation costs, it would be infinitely more uncomfortable to not be able to afford this operation. We would be so incredibly grateful for any help given, to give him a healthy happy future."