Chiquis

About the Campaign

Chiquis is an 8-year-old female Maltese with diabetic cataracts. She was born deaf, and now diabetes is causing her to lose her sight. Lorena says Chiquis is not adjusting well to going blind: she is scared to go outside, nervous on walks, and has started running into things.

Chiquis has had a difficult medical history. She has dealt with skin problems, allergies, repeated infections, and about a year ago she was diagnosed with diabetes after becoming dangerously sick. She was lethargic, extremely thirsty, had diarrhea, and had to be rushed to the ER with ketoacidosis. The doctors even talked about putting her down, but Lorena and Carlos could not give up on her. Chiquis is their baby, and they saved her life.

Now the diabetes has caused cataracts, and Chiquis needs help for her eyes. Just a month ago, Lorena and Carlos noticed she was losing vision quickly. For a little dog who already cannot hear, losing her sight too has been heartbreaking. She needs veterinary eye care so she has the best chance to see again and feel safe moving through the world. Often we do not consider fundraisers for cataract surgery, because blind dogs can do fine. But being deaf, this is a special issue in Chiquis’s case, and also she is not doing well with losing her vision.

Chiquis has been with Lorena and Carlos since the day she was born. They had Chiquis’ parents, and when the litter came, they found good homes for the other puppies. But Chiquis was born deaf, so they decided she would stay with them. They have loved and cared for her for eight years.

The cost is the barrier. Lorena works as an office assistant, and Carlos works as an engineer, but they have already spent an enormous amount on Chiquis’ medical care over the years. Between her diabetes, special food, insulin, syringes, eye care, allergy care, and other treatments, her ongoing care costs hundreds to more than a thousand dollars a month. They also live in the Bay Area, are trying to buy a home, and help support family members with serious health needs.

Lorena and Carlos have done everything they can for Chiquis, but after years of medical bills, they need help with this next step. Donations will help cover Chiquis’ diabetic cataract care, eye specialist visits, surgery if recommended, medications, follow-up care, and continued treatment so this deaf little dog has the best chance to regain comfort, confidence, and sight. All donations are paid only to the veterinarian, and her family is able to cover a significant amount. NEW ESTIMATE! Lorena got a cheaper quote, saving nearly $3000!! The new estimate is below, click to enlarge: