“My constant companion”: Roy’s Happy Tail
July 17th, 2023
By Savannah Verdon, Development and Engagement Coordinator II
Several times a week, Kimberly would leash Roy up and head out on an adventure walk, going dog park to dog park so they could both get some exercise. The way she saw it, he was having his best week ever in “dog years” each time they set out together. Both Roy and his younger brother Potato were rescued Chihuahua mixes and the best part of Kimberly’s life:
“Roy is my heart and I love him beyond what words can describe. He’s my constant companion who shares my bed, my couch and occasionally my own food, much to his approval. I love him so much that I won’t travel because I can’t stand to be separated. He hates it too. I wish you could meet him – he’s extra special.”
She knew when she adopted her boys that they would be prone to dental disease, like so many small breed dogs are as they age, so she was prepared for the day they would need to have their teeth cleaned, if not extracted. What she hadn’t anticipated was that just months after paying well over a thousand dollars for Potato to have eleven extractions, Roy would need his own urgent dental care. His teeth had gotten progressively worse with age and he refused, adorably but frustratingly, to let Kimberly brush them. If he would, then Kimberly would have more time to save money for his dental care, but far more alarming than his stinky breath was the cracked tooth that would likely become infected if it wasn’t removed as soon as possible.
It was hard for Kimberly to see little Roy in so much pain. He was such a confident boy most of the time, and watching him pick at his food and only reluctantly agree to their adventure walks broke her heart. Even though she had been saving money for his dental care, she now had less time to come up with more money, which simply wasn’t feasible on her limited income. How and when he cracked his tooth was a mystery that she would need to investigate, and she couldn’t bear to make him wait any longer than he already had to start feeling like himself again.
Fortunately, Kimberly only needed a little bit of help paying for the cost of his dental care after putting the money she had already saved toward the bill. She discovered the RedRover Relief Urgent Care grant program after digging into the other resources her SNAP benefits made available, and was quick to submit an application. As the day of Roy’s dental surgery drew closer, she waited anxiously for a call back, hoping with all her might that she could help her little man. The good news came with less than 24 hours to go before his appointment. With Kimberly’s love, dedication, and the help of an Urgent Care grant, Roy would have the cracked tooth removed and his teeth cleaned.
Always a trooper, Roy did wonderfully in surgery. Kimberly was delighted to learn that the veterinarian was able to save the cracked tooth by sealing it, and she brought Roy home “still a bit woozy, making Chewbacca noises, yet wagging his tail when exciting things come his way.” Two weeks later, she shared this exciting update:
“Roy is doing amazing! I can tell that his mouth feels better and he definitely feels better overall. Before, he was eating tentatively, but a few days after his dental intervention, he was eating normally. He’s also far more perky and energetic. The help from you helped make this happen. I love him beyond measure, he is my heart.”
Before long, Roy was a brand new man. He couldn’t wait to leash up for an adventure walk with Kimberly, even if it meant taking a break from snuggling up with Potato.
We are so thankful for opportunities like these to help families when they need it most, and we couldn’t have done it without kindhearted people like our supporters. Thank you for putting your compassion into action for animals like Roy and for bringing this family from crisis to care! ♥️
