Mr. Baggins’ owner noticed he was having trouble urinating and took him to the veterinarian. It was found that Mr. Baggins had two stones blocking his urethra and an unknown number of stones in his bladder. The options put forward by the vet were a cystotomy operation, which was estimated to cost $7,000 on top of the $2,000 his owner had just paid for treatment, or euthanasia.

Unfortunately, his owner could not afford the medical costs and did not have an affordable care option. Rather than euthanize Mr. Baggins, they brought him to Toronto Humane Society as a medical surrender. This is a heartbreaking decision, but one made from love and a desire to do what was best for Mr. Baggins.

Our veterinary team performed the cystotomy operation and monitored Mr. Baggins closely while he recovered. It’s very likely, given his age and the severity of the blockage, that dealing with bladder stones will be a recurring issue.  Fortunately, he has been adopted by a family that is prepared to take on this big commitment.

Your support as a Humane Champion not only makes it possible for Toronto Humane Society to provide life-saving surgeries, but you are also helping to fight against the crisis of care. Together, we are working to provide even more affordable Public Veterinary services so pet parents don’t have to make the heartbreaking decision to surrender their pets but can afford to take care of and keep them at home, where they belong.      

Be a Humane Champion monthly donor and change lives. Together we can continue to nurture the human-animal bond by directly supporting shelter care, training, education, and vet services. Your generosity means animals will live the life they were meant to live.