Romeo

About the Campaign

Crying in Pain!

Romeo is a 13-year-old male Maltese who is suffering from severe dental disease and a gum infection. His family says he is crying every day and struggling to eat, and when they took him to the vet on Monday, May 19, they were told Romeo is in Stage 4 dental condition and needs surgery as soon as possible. Without treatment, infections in the mouth can spread, pain worsens quickly, and eating becomes impossible.

The veterinarian has recommended a dental procedure under anesthesia with cleaning and extractions, because teeth in this condition can’t be “saved” with medication alone. Romeo also needs X-rays because he has a constipation issue that should be evaluated while he’s being treated. The family was devastated to hear that if they can’t afford the dental surgery and diagnostics, the vet mentioned euthanasia as an option, not because Romeo can’t be helped, but because the suffering from untreated dental disease can become unmanageable.

Romeo has been part of this family for nearly his whole life. They adopted him from a Lancaster shelter in May 2015, and he has spent the last 11 years as their sweet, familiar companion. Now, as a senior, he needs help at the exact moment the family’s finances are stretched to the breaking point.

This is a household of six, with multiple generations under one roof. The only steady income is Romeo’s owner’s husband, who is 73 and retired, living on Social Security. Laura is on disability but currently has no Social Security income. Two adult children (ages 30 and 25) are not working right now, another child is 18 and in college, and there is also a 4-year-old grandchild in the home. A son-in-law works part-time as a substitute teacher. With loans to pay, there is simply no way for the family to come up with a large emergency vet bill.

They have done the right thing by getting Romeo seen and diagnosed. Now they’re asking for help so Romeo can receive the dental surgery and X-rays he needs to be comfortable again and return to eating normally. The vet asked them to please contact us and try and get help for Romeo.

Donations will help cover Romeo’s urgent dental surgery (including anesthesia, cleaning, and extractions) and necessary diagnostic X-rays. All donations are paid only to the veterinarian! Estimate below, click to enlarge: