Fur Kids Foundation 2019 Success Story: Mica

This is Mica, a 3 year-old Border Collie/Australian Cattle Dog mix. Doesn’t he look like a real sweetheart…who might just get himself into something mischievous every once in a while?

That’s exactly what his mom thought when Mica started coughing and wouldn’t eat. She was afraid he had swallowed a toy and that it had lodged in his throat, she was so worried Mica was going to choke. Mom knew she had to do something, but that “something” came with its own concerns.

Mica has been in the family since he was 9 weeks old. He’s mom’s best friend and she couldn’t stand the thought of something happening to him. To make matters even more stressful, mom is on a limited income and using her resources to raise her grandchild. She knew she wouldn’t have the money to cover this unexpected visit to the vet.

Still deeply concerned for Mica and stressed about how she was going to cover the cost, mom got Mica to the vet. The good news was that Mica didn’t have anything stuck in his throat. The bad news was that Mica had pneumonia.

Pneumonia can be tricky for pet owners to catch and can be confused with more common things like thinking your pet swallowed something they shouldn’t have. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs. There are two types of pneumonia (aspiration and bacterial) but both have similar warning signs. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Cough
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Lack of appetite
• Nasal discharge
• Rapid breathing or increased heart rate

Luckily, pneumonia is treatable with medication. Mica’s mom was relieved that he didn’t have anything lodged in his throat, but she was still dreading a vet bill and medication costs. That’s when Mica’s mom learned about Fur Kids Foundation and applied for help.

She was so relieved to know that her beloved Mica was going to be okay and that she could remain financially stable for her grandchild. During Mica’s follow up appointment he was already showing improvement and back to his sweet and loveably mischievous ways.

If your pet does swallow something they shouldn’t and is choking, utilize this guide from PetMD on the Heimlich Maneuver for pets. Should your pet choke to the point they aren’t able to breathe, this guide from the American Red Cross on Pet CPR can help.

Fur Kids Foundation is 100% ran by dedicated volunteers who give their time to help the Foundation raise money, take applications, and spread the word about the good work the Foundation does in Campbell County, Wyoming. If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help local families with animals afford emergency veterinary care, please consider making a tax-deductible donation via PayPal or signing up to become a volunteer. You can see a list of those who support us on our Supporters page. Check out more Success Stories.

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