True love knows no bounds, and when this pet-dad realized he had to choose between his pup and his car, the choice was clear.
Randy Etter first realized that something was wrong with his pup Gemini when the pup grew lethargic and started following him around.
Then, when Gemini started throwing up, Etter began to fear for his pup’s life.
Etter rushed Gemini to the vet, but the cause of Gemini’s distress proved to be difficult to diagnose.
The vet couldn’t identify what was wrong with Gemini but Etter wasn’t about to give up. Gemini was his best friend and he would do anything to get him help.
Etter was so focused on finding a vet who could treat Gemini that he ended up losing his job while desperately visiting vet after vet.
Despite visiting multiple vets, nobody seemed to be able to tell Etter what was wrong with his sweet pup.
“[I]it just seemed like I wasn’t gonna get anywhere or get him the help he needed in time. It was truly one of the scariest things I had to deal with.” Etter told the Dodo.
But finally, the cause of Gemini’s pain and distress was discovered; a small object was lodged in his intestines.
Etter’s girlfriend’s baby girl had played with the dog by throwing her bottle to him.
Etter had been diligent about quickly removing the bottle whenever the baby threw it to the pup, but at some point, Gemini had apparently gotten access to the bottle without Etter’s knowledge and swallowed a bit of the top of the bottle.
That bottle piece had now created a blockage and Gemini was in need of surgery.
The surgery cost 4,500 dollars – far more money than Etter currently had.
But Etter wasn’t about to let his best friend die. Etter posted a heartfelt post on Facebook where he explained his situation and put his car up for sale.
With the money from the sale of his car, he would be able to save the dog he loved so much, and he hoped that someone would be willing to buy it.
However, following a beautiful display of human kindness, Etter did not end up having to go through with selling his car.
First, Etters friend stepped in and offered to loan him 2000 dollars. Then, the S.O.A.R Initiative (whose “focus is on securing the human-animal bond and improving access to veterinary care & human services for those who are typically underserved”) helped raise 3000 dollars for Gemini’s surgery.
Gemini got through the surgery without complications and was soon back in his pet-dads loving arms.
Thanks to the kindness and generosity of everyone who donated their money to help Gemini, his life was saved and Etter didn’t lose the pup he loves so deeply.
Here you can learn more about S.O.A.R Initiative and their efforts to help people and their pets.
