Pulse - May 2022 - 20

ANGEL FUND ANIMAL HEALTH FOUNDATION
With Help from Angel Fund,
Paloma Survives Pyometra
O
ne day in February, Omar Navarro's Poodle
was " perfect " and the next day she
was panting and uncomfortable. " It was
weird because it wasn't even hot, " he said. " The
next day, she was doing the same thing. "
" My mom said that this was not normal, " he said. He
decided he should call Little Tokyo Pet Clinic, where
he had always taken his dog when she needed care. But
the hospital had no appointments available that day. The
receptionist suggested taking her to an emergency clinic.
Omar tried several emergency clinics but got a call
a couple of hours later from the Little Tokyo hospital:
an appointment time was available. Omar quickly took
her there.
Dr. Mary H. Chung examined Paloma and told
Omar that his dog was very ill. " She said it was bad, " he
said. " Paloma needed surgery real quick or she would
get sicker. " Dr. Chung said that the dog had suspect
pyometra with mammary gland tumors, acute diabetes
and pancreatitis.
Later that day, Paloma had the surgery. Dr. Chung
removed her uterus and multiple mammary masses. She
also suggested that Omar apply for an Angel Fund grant
to help pay the cost of the surgery.
Omar, 28, lives with his parents and three siblings not
far from Little Tokyo. He went home and applied online
for a grant of $500. It was soon approved. Dr. Chung
messaged the SCVMA Board of Trustees and asked for
an additional grant of $500.
" Paloma is a special girl who came to us yesterday
with heavy panting and required immediate treatment,
including surgery and hospitalization, " she said. " The
owner is struggling to cover costs and we'd like to help
as much as possible. " Little Tokyo Pet Clinic donated
$500 and supported necessary services and medications
to assist Paloma's treatment and recovery, Dr. Chung said.
In his application, Omar said:
" Paloma is not just any dog. She was a special dog
when I first found her when she was only a baby. We
became best friends. She means the world to me. She
follows me everywhere I go. We have that special bond
and I love her very much. I'm always taking care of her
[when there is] any type of danger.
" Now she's sick and my heart is hurting me so much.
I'm tearing up all the time. She needs surgery that is
costing $4,800 and, if she doesn't get it, I will lose her.
I can't lose my best friend. She's my companionship. I'm
asking if you're able to help with some funds for my best
friend. I'm trying to find money wherever I can. I'm
not working fulltime. I'm self-employed but not making
enough money. Please help me. "
The additional $500 was approved. Omar's family provided
the rest of the money needed for Paloma's treatment.
When he learned he had received $1,000 from
Angel Fund, Omar was grateful. " I was happy. I was
blessed, " he said.
Omar found Paloma on the street when she was a
puppy nearly 12 years ago. Is Paloma doing well now?
" Yeah, perfect, " he said.
He works Saturdays and Sundays at a swap meet selling
inserts for Croc sandals that provide them with a
dash of color through the holes in the footwear. " It
makes them look fancy, " he said. P
" She needs surgery that is costing $4,800 and, if she doesn't get it, I
will lose her. I can't lose my best friend. She's my companionship. I'm
asking if you're able to help with some funds for my best friend. "
20
MAY 2022
PULSE
Pulse - May 2022

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