Disabled U.S. Veteran’s Faithful Dog Needs Your Help to Overcome Medical Obstacles

Kelvin, a disabled U.S. veteran, and his registered physical service dog Styler have been inseparable for eight years. They are the best of friends and go everywhere together. Unfortunately, a dark cloud appeared on the horizon for this pair – the dog recently has ended up at a clinic in Columbia when he tore his ACL. Because Kelvin could not afford the surgery Styler needed, S.N.A.R.R. Animal Rescue Northeast stepped in to help and saved the dog’s very life – but Styler and his guardian still need help.

Throughout the years, Kelvin has spent thousands of dollars on veterinary care for Styler’s painful skin condition on his legs. It was not easy, but he always managed to somehow figure out a way. This time, the inseparable duo really needed assistance and, thanks to their vet’s intervention, they got in contact with the rescue which not only promised to help but also provided Styler with a second dermatology specialist.

After a two-hour journey to the specialist, Styler was diagnosed with a 108-degree fever and an acute heat stroke, which the team could not understand since the car he had traveled in had working AC…

The team then found that Styler had a paralyzed trachea which made it impossible for him to regulate his breathing.

The dog required emergency surgery – the only other option was to put him to sleep. Kelvin contacted S.N.A.R.R. crying and said that “he had prayed for a miracle,” but it now seemed to be Styler’s time…

The rescuers got on the phone with the vet and asked if they should invest in Styler’s treatment, considering his many health issues. The vet’s “I would do it” was all they needed – S.N.A.R.R. said yes to the surgery that amounted to about $3,300, charged to their rescue card.

The rescuers could not fail Kelvin and Styler – and the precious dog’s life was saved!

In a note to the rescuers, Kelvin wrote: “I will apologize in advance for not being able to find the words this morning to say thank you. maybe I’ll never be able to find them. Styer isn’t just a service dog, he is my friend, my best companion. Me? Disabled before my time by an ongoing neurological process, a veteran 82nd Airborne, flight nurse/ER nurse critical care nurse flight nurse and for a time, shortened by my disability, a swat medic.”

Styler’s medical care is not over yet and him, his guardian, and the rescue will be grateful for any help in making the miracle Kelvin hoped for come true and for Styler to live happily for many more years.

You can Donate towards Styler’s care through the rescue’s website.

To learn more about S.N.A.R.R. Animal Rescue Northeast, click here.

All image source: S.N.A.R.R. Animal Rescue Northeast/Facebook