Sierrah Grundy, a resident of Covington, is urgently seeking assistance from her community to cover the costs of surgery for her beloved dog, Otis. The one-year-old black-and-white pitbull mix requires a tail amputation due to a severe skin infection that has worsened despite several home treatments. With the surgery estimated to cost nearly $1,000, Sierrah is turning to fundraising efforts to ensure Otis receives the necessary care.
The trouble began around Christmas when Sierrah noticed a skin infection developing on Otis’s tail. Initially, she tried home remedies, including Benadryl, hoping for a mild resolution. Unfortunately, Otis’s condition deteriorated as he continued to itch, leading to crust developing on his face and ears. By early January, Sierrah recognized the need for professional veterinary intervention.
After a visit to the veterinarian, she learned that without proper healing, amputation would be necessary if Otis’s condition did not improve. “After I took him to the vet, they told me that if I didn’t get his tail to heal, they were going to have to amputate if his bones started showing. And that’s what happened. Bones started showing,” Sierrah explained.
Currently, Otis is on medication, including Benadryl and Gabapentin, while Sierrah scrambles to raise funds for the surgery. According to a quote from Surgipet, a nonprofit veterinary clinic in Buford, the total cost for Otis’s procedure is estimated at $983.82.
Sierrah is a student at the Georgia Career Institute in Conyers and has limited financial resources. She reached out to Paws 4 A Cure, a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance for urgent pet medical needs. Paws 4 A Cure has already contributed $400 towards Otis’s surgery, and additional funds have been raised, but she still needs approximately $400 to cover the full cost. Donations can be made through the Facebook page titled “Otis’s Urgent Veterinary Care Fundraising Page,” as well as on GoFundMe and Waggle.
As the situation unfolds, Sierrah reflects on how Otis has changed since the onset of his health issues. “He doesn’t do what he used to do, which is like be hyper and whatnot; all he does now is chase his tail,” she shared. Despite his struggles, Otis occasionally shows affection by jumping on Sierrah, reminding her of their close bond.
Having adopted Otis when he was just four weeks old, Sierrah describes their relationship as one of best friends. She hopes to return her companion to his playful self. “I miss playing with Otis. He was a really playful dog before all of this happened,” she expressed.
In the meantime, the community’s support is crucial for Otis’s recovery and return to health. As Sierrah navigates this challenging time, she remains hopeful that with assistance, Otis will soon be back to his joyful, energetic self.
