If you walk down Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles, you might encounter Alfredo Longoria, a homeless man who is living with his 9-year old beloved Mastiff mix dog named Lucky. Ironically, the dog is running out of luck. He has been diagnosed with cancer and Longoria is looking for someone who can help save his best friend’s life.
Jasmin Dustin, founder for Cause4Paws, learned about Longoria and his plea, and knew the organization had to help.
“I received an E-mail earlier this week about a homeless man’s dog needing emergency vet care,” said Dustin. “Lucky has been diagnosed with a cancer on his ankle. The vet said most likely to save his life he’ll have to have his leg amputated.”
Four months ago, Longoria walked into a local veterinarian clinic with his dog because he knew there was something wrong with him. There was a growing mass on Lucky’s right-front ankle that was causing him pain and preventing the dog from using the leg.
“Lucky has to be pushed in a blanket-lined cart due to the pain in his one leg,” said Dustin.
The veterinarian recommended amputating Lucky’s leg, but Longoria was not mentally or economically ready then to do this to his companion dog. Longoria thought there would be and alternative route to curing his pet, so he left the clinic in search of some other help.
“Unfortunately it just [might] be too late for Lucky. He is in constant pain and on Tramadol but you can see he is in intense pain,” said Dustin. “It is very likely [the cancer has] spread and we would be looking at helping him be comfortable. I won’t think of that as an option just yet!”
Photo Credit: Cause4Paws, Jasmine Dustin
Cause4Paws has reached out to different organizations and veterinarians willing to overlook Longoria and Lucky’s homelessness situation. Right now, the two have no economic resources to afford Lucky’s medical costs and they need all the help they can get. The rescue hopes luck has not run out on them yet, and there is something to be done to save Lucky’s life – even if it means amputating his leg.
The Amanda Foundation agreed to see Lucky for free, and this morning Alfredo and Lucky were picked by Dustin for their 9 a.m. appointment. (Updates on Lucky’s diagnosis will be posted when these are available.)
While medical help is on its way, Lucky still needs someone to help cover his expenses. Cause4Paws has set up a donation link and so far they have only raised $177.
“The cost of the surgery will most likely not be more than 1,200 dollars but it could be more,” said Dustin. “It really depends on how many days [Lucky] needs to stay in the vet for aftercare.”
As you can see from the pictures, Longoria and Lucky are best of friends. Longoria has always cared for his dog and does what he can to offer him the best life possible. Lucky is microchipped and up-to-date on his shots, all he needs now is a guardian angel to save him from cancer.
In Dustin’s words, “help us save Lucky.”
You can learn more about Lucky by visiting Cause4Paws Facebook page.
Photo Credit: Cause4Paws, Jasmine Dustin
