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Pacho, a 1-year-old English mastiff, broke his leg a few months ago and had to undergo surgery and physical therapy. His family, Kelley and Shawn Jensen, are holding a benefit Saturday in Lake Mills, Iowa, to raise money for his medical bills.
Family holds benefit for dog
For a canine? Yup
Published Tuesday, June 10, 2008
SCARVILLE, Iowa — When a family member is ill with expensive medical bills, or if a home burns down and a family doesn’t have anywhere to turn, community members often hold a benefit to help out their neighbors. Well, shouldn’t the case be the same if a dog is injured and requires extensive — and expensive — medical treatment?
That’s what Shawn and Kelley Jensen, formerly of Albert Lea, said they were thinking when they decided to hold a benefit for their 1-year-old dog Pacho, an English mastiff, whose medical bills are nearing $3,000.
The benefit will be from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday at Silverado’s Bar, 110 N. Mill St., Lake Mills, Iowa. There will be a DJ, a silent auction, a bake sale, food and a raffle for a youth four-wheeler.
“If it works out, it works out. If not, we tried,” Kelley said.
On May 15, Pacho fell out of the back of a stationary pickup into a deep ditch when he bent over to smell a smaller dog on the ground. The 170-pound dog landed on his leg and broke it.
The Jensens took Pacho to their local veterinarian for X-rays, but the break was too severe for local vets, Kelley said. So the family trekked down to the Iowa State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Ames where he was required to stay for a week for treatment and observation.
“The kids were really sad when he had to stay down in Ames and we couldn’t bring him home,” Kelley said.
Pacho got a pin and a plate put in his leg to stabilize the break. Amputation wasn’t an option, Kelley said, because the dog is too large and wouldn’t be stable on only three legs.
“It was hard,” Kelley said. “He literally lay there and we would have to pick him up to get him to go outside and go to the bathroom.”
The dog was instructed to stay off the leg for a while, Kelley said, and stay low for 12 weeks. Pacho does physical therapy and takes medicine daily. The Jensens had to build a ramp on their deck because the dog couldn’t go up stairs.
Pacho and the Jensens will return to the hospital in Ames on July 3 to get X-rays. The pin will be removed in a few months, leaving just the plate in his leg for the rest of his life.
So far, the dog’s medical bills total $2,800. But after the coming X-rays and surgery to remove the pin, the total will go up, according to Kelley.
The community has been supportive of the family, Pacho and the benefit, Kelley said, even though there are a few skeptics. The Jensens already received donations and letters of support. Silent auction items were donated by community members and businesses.
“It’s kind of surprising the support for a dog,” she said.
The DJ will donate his time and the bar owner, Bobby Rupp, was more than willing to accommodate the event.
“If it was my dog, I love my dog, too,” he said. “I just think why not. If someone needs some help I try to help them out as much as I can.”
Kelley said the dog’s spirits are a lot better, and he’s ready to get out and play with his fellow dogs.
“Now trying to keep the big dog down is not easy,” she said.
Pacho will be at the benefit Saturday.
The Jensens breed dogs. They have two English mastiffs, two bloodhounds and two Shih Tzus. Kelley said euthanizing the dog was not an option.
“He’s more than just another dog on the farm. He’s one of our family members,” she said.
If it had happened to any other dog, Kelley said, she would have made the same decision.
“We are pet lovers,” she said.
The family also has horses, cats, goats and chickens.
Kelley and Shawn Jensen both grew up in Albert Lea, but moved to Scarville last year after they were married. They have five kids.
Pacho himself will be a father this Saturday. His mate, Sabrina, is scheduled to give birth he is at the benefit.
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Comments
Posted by mommy07 (anonymous) on June 10, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I understand people love their family pets but if you cant afford your pets medical bills then make payment arrangements with the Vet and dont ask for money..
Posted by charlie55 (anonymous) on June 10, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
to mommy07, nobody said that you had to send them money or attend the benefit. So if you don't approve of it thats fine, im sure they were aware of skeptical people in the community like you. And even if payment arrangements are made they still need money to send and not all places accept payment arrangements. I for one think it's a great idea and I hope I can make it down that way on Saturday!
Posted by albertleacitizen1 (anonymous) on June 10, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I totally agree with mommy07 on this one. I am an animal lover myself and I feel bad for the dog but - if you can't afford your dog's broken leg then why do you have MULTIPLE dogs, horses, cats, etc.??? Come on ... I do not believe that this family is taking responsiblity for its own actions. I simply believe this is tacky.
Posted by albertleacitizen1 (anonymous) on June 10, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't resist adding that this family is BREEDING the dogs ... therefore, they intend to make money off of them as well. Enough said.
Posted by charlie55 (anonymous) on June 10, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I know this family and they are not breeding for money. The two bloodhounds are fixed and the shizus are both male. And just to add one more note albertleacitizen1.........things come up in life unexpectidly and people can't always afford these unforseen circumstances. So they may have enough money to take care of, feed, raise em, love em and give em their annual shots, but not to many people in todays economy can afford an unplanned incident like this! You people obviously are not animal lovers like you claim to be. Because unless you are very wealthy, you to wouldn't be able to afford an accident like this happening to one of your beloved pets. So what would you do if yours needed expensive medical treatment???
Posted by charlie55 (anonymous) on June 10, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So you are saying why raise dogs and then have a benefit for a vet bill you can't afford. Why does this world keep handing out welfare and mediacl assistance for people having kids that can't afford it???? This is one vet bill. Not 18 years of medical bills that a parent can't afford.
Posted by albertleacitizen1 (anonymous) on June 10, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
charlie55 ... yes, that is what I am saying.
Posted by kristy3714 (anonymous) on June 10, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i think its a good idea. my pet is just like a kid to me so its no question that i would do the same thing if i needed help with expenses. besides the family is having things auctioned and raffeling a four wheeler so everyone who participates gets something anyway.wether its self gratifacation or a brownie from the bake sale.
Posted by sk_acres (anonymous) on June 10, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
After reading all of the comments posted we feel we need to defend our story. When having our story put in the paper, we assumed there would be people that were skeptical about our benefit. But never dreamed people in the community would be negative and heartless about it. Although Sara did a great job on the story, things were misunderstood. We wish we knew who charlie55 was as he claims to know us, but he too has some incorrect info, but thanks for defending our story. We are not 'dog breeders' per say. We do have two bloodhounds one male who is neutered and one female, two shiztus that are males. There are no plans to breed these breeds either. And yes we do have puppies due to be born, but this is our first litter and we have not given any thought as far as contiuing to breed. But even if we do contnue, why does that make us bad people. Dog breedings not illegal, many people breed dogs, are they too looked down upon? And if so why dog breeders, people raise many different types of animals, they are not looked at negatively. And for the comment of this benefit being tacky....we never looked at it that way. We have paid for the benefit, the food, the four wheeler and the bake sale items, so we did not expect people just to give us money. But those who are interested and supportive will be attending and if people want to donate or help they can, but we are not asking people to 'pay our bill' like that one comment implied. And yes we do have a payment plan set up with the veterinary hospital. The bill needs to be paid by end of June, they do not have many options there for payment plans. So yes we have a payment plan set up, but it still needs to be paid. In todays economy we are not able to provide a large amount of money in times like this. And I am sure many people would agree that they wouldn't be able to either. And I don't mean just for a dog, but what if a furnace needs to be replaced, what if you need to replace your well, a sewer, your appliances....or even worse what if a tornado or flood affects you. You would like the communities support at times like this and I am sure you would support a benefit for one of these causes. So if you don't approve of this benefit that is okay, but to say we are being tacky or irresponsible, that just doesn't sit well with us as we believe we are being responsible, because we seeked medical treatment for our beloved pet, when there are others in the world that would just abandon their pet. And too add one more thing this story was posted in Iowa paper and we recieved such warming and accepting letters and donations from people we don't even know. So it is nice to know we have moved to a supporting community.
Posted by blackcherry (anonymous) on June 11, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There are all different types of people in this world and each one has their own opinion on what is right or wrong.
I think the dog benefit is an odd idea one which I have not yet decided whether to support or deny, but one which shows inovation in the face of lifes struggles. As Americans we donate money to all sorts of charities that we never know or see the benefits the end user recieves. At least here if you choose to support this you know that after all is said and done a family pet that is loved will be alive and able to walk, run and play with people that loved him enough to not put him down. Even if that love means putting themselves out there in the public eye for you to critize.
Posted by hmmmmm (anonymous) on June 11, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Below is the listing on Craigslist to sell the puppies for $900 each!! Maybe they should use the money from selling the puppies to pay for the medical bills instead of asking others to pay for it? $900 per puppy could take care of much of the expense!!
http://mankato.craigslist.org/grd/712837...
English Mastiff Puppies - $900 (Scarville, IA)
Reply to: sale-712837949@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-06-09, 8:38AM CDT
Registered English Maastiff puppies due to be born June 14th. Ready to go in August. Call now to reserve your puppy. Kelley or Shawn
Location: Scarville, IA
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
PostingID: 712837949
Also, they say that they are having to pay to have the food etc at the benefit... dont you think that money could be put towards the medical bills instead?
I feel it is very tacky to ask people to donate to medical bills for an animal, especially when they are trying to make money off of the puppies already. If you cant afford the numerous animals and their expenses, maybe one should be more responsible and not live above their means???
Posted by mommy07 (anonymous) on June 11, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think our economy sucks and I dont think pets should suffer but today people are saving every penny to just get by, and yes i do support Cancer benefits and flood relief and tornado assistance but when it comes to a pet I think the owners are responsible not the community.
Posted by Concerned (anonymous) on June 11, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If the cost of maintaining the health of the pet is too great, maybe the family should have considered putting him down. I am not being insensitive & love my pets too, but when you are unable to provide care for the pet financially you shouldn't put your family in a hardship to take care of it and then expect that someone else would be willing to foot the bill.
Posted by sk_acres (anonymous) on June 11, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We are not living above our means we are living. And like I've said even the wealthy can't provide a large sum of money for an unexpected accident at the last second anyways. So if a person loses their home or car because of these fincial hardtimes, do you want to tell them they shouuldn't live above their means, you shouldn't of put your family in a hardship like this, tough times are ahead for many in this economy. I just hope you never have to be faced with a situation in which you can't provide financialy, because people help those who help you. And we are being responsible, and if the community wants to help they can, their choice. And the less than fifty dollars that is spent in food is a small trade off for the support that the community will show. And yes the puppies are going to be sold. Why wouldn't we. Calves are born...do people let them go? What about pigs, horses, chickens, goats, sheep.......people raise animals all the time and sell their offspring. Quit criticising us or dogbreeeders in general. You guys can argue this all you want, but we have support from many and criticiszm from a few. But thats okay, everyone is there own person and has their own opinion. But to say we are tacky and irresponsible that we are not! As many people have already proven that with their overwhelming support and donations.
Posted by tourmalinequeen (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
When I first read the article, I thought 'what a great idea! I agree that even when one has multiple pets and cares for them well, occasionally an unforseen event/circumstance will come about that causes a financial disaster. They lost me when I read about the dog breeding and comments on this story. Mastiffs seldom have under 6 pups and a normal litter is 8-12. At $900 a pop, they have MORE than enough to pay their bill without inviting others to contribute. This is utterly disgusting. Take a loan and pay it back when you sell some puppies.
Posted by southernfirenice (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I read the article and the comments and I think you are nothing but con artists. How much was the bill for the food, 4 wheeler, and the ad to sell the puppies? I'm sure that it was enough to pay for the medical bills. You say people who oppose what you are doing are not animal lovers, you are soooo wrong there, we just don't exploit our animals the way you are doing. If you can afford a 4 wheeler, you can afford medical costs for your dog!!!!
Posted by sk_acres (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 9:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We did not purchase the four wheeler, had we been able to purchase a four wheeler we would have paid the bill. Had we been able to get approved for a loan we would have done that. And had our dog had her four puppies not the six, eight or twelve like you think, sooner, before this bill is owed we may have done that. But what ever money is received from our income on the side, the puppies, believe me there are plenty of bills that could go too. As the dog has many more visits to Ames! Thank you!!!
Posted by aster67 (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 10:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
okkkkk.... enough with the bickering....wether this is tacky, or not... This bickering has gone on long enough... Let's be there for Pocho! He has a wonderful personality and a great disposition, I'm glad he's still around. I hope he has a full recovery...
Posted by kristy3714 (anonymous) on June 13, 2008 at 1:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree, move on! If you don't like it don't go.
Posted by southernfirenice (anonymous) on June 13, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You are the one that responded in an earlier comment that you paid for the food, 4-wheeler, and bake sale items. You really need to get your lies together. And if the rest of your don't like to read the comments that are sent, than don't read them! Last time I checked we had free speech.
Posted by southernfirenice (anonymous) on June 13, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
And you stated that dog breeding is not illegal and why are people coming down on you for that? All the dog breeders I know DO NOT expect other people to pay their vet bills!! I hope enough people read this and do not fall for this scam.
Posted by mousegirl (anonymous) on June 13, 2008 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
When I read this article, I was kind of taken aback that someone would have a benefit for their dog's medical bills and I have no doubt that there are many soft-hearted, generous people in the area that will donate out of the goodness of their heart. I love animals myself and have 6 horses, 4 dogs and 2 cats, we are faced with unexpected vet bills from time to time and sometimes we have to go without ourselves to pay the bill cuz we love our animals and admit we probably have too many (horses anyway) but they are like family and how do you decide which one to sell, but getting to my point.....WE WOULD NEVER TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OTHER ANIMAL LOVERS TO PAY FOR OUR UNEXPECTED EXPENSES!!! Sorry, attack me if needed but I just think our society today is just way to full of people who don't take responsibility for their own problems and expect the world to bail them out. No wonder many kids are growing up to be self-centered, lazy adults who don't take responsibility for their actions and feel the world owes them something.
Posted by sk_acres (anonymous) on June 13, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
no lies. I was saying the four wheeler was not donated. It was purchased by someone we know and will be gettin reimbursed off the ticket sales. We do not expect people to pay our vet bills. This is not the first time we have ever had to bring an animal to the vet. We have paid for many of own vet bills. So this is no scam, the evidence is very obvious as weel as the outcome for those who care to attend. And there has been many obstacles in life that we have taken responsibilty for, so we are not self centered or lazy!! Nobody owes us anything! We work fulltime and provide for our kids and animals. But we do live paycheck to paycheck like many people in this world, that doesn't make us bad people. So there is no scam, we are not a con artists, only way to be a believer and a supporter is to show up otherwise keep adding comments and making your own assumptions like you really know how it is!!
Posted by southernfirenice (anonymous) on June 14, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thats not how it was stated in your comment. I believe you are making this up as you go along. I wish your dog well and hope not too many people are not suckered into this scam of yours.
Posted by 2gr8danes (Lori Meyer) on June 16, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First of all, I am a doglover and own very large dogs. Giant breeds pretty much guarantee you huge vet bills. I was told that many, many times before getting into Great Danes. I also know that there is medical insurance available for our pets that would have covered the vast majority of this injury. Is it expensive? Sure, but not $3,000!
My other concern here is that it sounds like you are breeding dogs "just cuz". Have the dogs been health tested before breeding them to make sure you're not passing any genetic problems on? Do you intend to be responsible for every puppy you bring into this world for the rest of their lives? Every single one of them are here because you wanted them to be, the sole purpose for breeding a dog should be to better the breed, not for financial gain. I have a contract with my breeder that if for ANY reason I cannot keep the dog she will take it back. Trust me, you'll never come out ahead if you're doing it right!
Yes, there are a lot of dogbreeders. Do they all get "treated like this"? If they aren't doing it responsibly and doing the testing that is necessary, yes they do or they should anyway. Do you know how much it would have cost to have this boy's hips fixed if he were dysplastic? $3,000 would be the minimum! Do you know what causes dysplasia? It is a genetic disease and is passed down from generation to generation unnecessarily! A simple x-ray can tell if a dog is dysplastic and should never be bred if it shows a problem. There is a multitude of testing that can be done to decrease or even eliminate the number of crippled or blind dogs and lessen the chance of early deaths due to heart problems.
Sometimes those of us that love our animals the most can be the most critical and passionate about them. If you are sincerely concerned about the breed and want to breed, find a mentor to show you the ropes. A responsible mentor will show their dogs, do all necessary health testing, and breed very discriminately to only the dog that will improve the breed.
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