Bear, a young boy’s dog, is dying of a rare fungal s.i.c.k.n.e.ss, but he refuses to give up. Lucas Fuller, 11, distributed leaflets throughout his neighborhood advertising himself as “help for hire.” He claimed to be able to mow lawns, trim gardens, and wash automobiles. He said that he was “working to assist pay for his medicine and veterinary treatment” and that it was to help collect money for his “very s.i.c.k dog.”
Blastomycosis (or “blasto” for short) is an infection that Bear is combating. The infection can spread throughout a dog’s body and organs, causing breathing and vision p.r.o.b.l.e.m.s. It is also capable of causing p.a.i.n.f.u.l lesions. Bear has lost weight and was recently admitted to the hospital with pneumonia.
A local woman noticed Lucas’ leaflet and shared it on Facebook, where Lucas’ cause quickly gained traction among dog lovers who offered to assist the Bear and his family. Karen, Lucas’ mother, assisted her son in creating a GoFundMe account, and the family in Pittsboro, Indiana quickly met and exceeded their $2000 fundraising target by thousands of dollars.
Bear’s infection is unpredictable and difficult, according to the Fullers. On the fundraising website, they added, “The infection will take 6 months to heal.” “It’s affecting his lungs, skin, eye, lymph nodes, and appetite right now” (he has lost 20 lbs.) It is excruciatingly uncomfortable. He had fungal pneumonia last week and had to go to the emergency room again.”
Bear was able to start his first round of therapies as a consequence of the incredible support they received.
“Bear will see the doctor again on Tuesday, and we’re hoping that his eye will mend and he won’t lose his vision…
“The pneumonia caught us off guard, but he appears to have bounced back nicely,” Karen said in an update. “He develops fresh skin sores on a daily basis, but his hunger has returned, and he tries to play on occasion.” The swelling in his right front and rear right legs has returned, making walking difficult. He also has a toe that refuses to heal… We’ll be back at VCA in Fishers with our wonderful doctors.”
The Fullers are optimistic and grateful, thanks to the donations raised through their GoFundMe page. “We, Lucas, Bear, and I, would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude for all of your love, support, prayers, and donations. You have gone above and beyond everything we could have hoped for, and each and every one of you has genuinely blessed us.”
Thanks to Lucas’ unwavering commitment to save his best friend, Bear has a fighting chance.
Blastomycosis is spread by spores in infected soils, which can be found anywhere, but especially in wet regions like riverbanks, lakes, and swamps, as well as other decaying matter-rich areas including woodland areas, woods, and farms.
