By Isiah REYES

Jenilee Pineda is doing everything she can to help raise funds for Gordon, her English bulldog who is currently fighting for his life as he undergoes extensive medical treatment.

Gordon was diagnosed with immune mediated thrombocytopenia (IMT). It is a serious disease in which the body sees its own platelets as foreign. Therefore, the body attacks and destroys the platelets. Though undergoing treatment, he is still sick and it estimated that it will take about six months before he’s fully recovered. He has checkups every two weeks to make sure the medicine is still working and that he is not relapsing.

“Gordon to me is more than just my pet English bulldog; he is a part of my family and, just the way I would help a family member or friend, I feel the same about Gordon,” Pineda said.

After visiting Montrose Pet Hospital, Pineda took Gordon to Shadow Hills Pet Clinic where Dr. Satish Mohan ordered blood work. Mohan realized that the bulldog needed further medical attention and referred him to Animal Specialty Group.

“Animal Specialty Group has been an excellent and professional hospital and saved Gordon’s life,” Pineda said. “Gordon is under the care of Dr. Collins at ASG, but was also seen and cared for by all the amazing staff there. We appreciate ASG and will be forever thankful for all that they have done for Gordon.”

Pineda is trying to raise money to pay for Gordon’s medical bills and is getting donations from friends, family and local community members.

On July 13, two of Pineda’s friends, Vanessa and Larissa De La Cruz, helped start a Zumba fundraiser where all proceeds went towards the medical expenses to help save Gordon’s life. The Zumba instructor was Camille Larrauri, a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Vanessa and Larissa organized and coordinated the Zumba event and also opened a PayPal account so that people could donate.

“We were able to raise a good amount of money to keep him hospitalized and he has shown some improvement, but he’s not out of the woods yet,” Larissa said. “He’s an innocent little guy who’s just fighting through this issue.”

About 10 people showed up at the Zumba event, which cost $20 per person, and some people also personally sent Pineda donations via mail as well.

“I am beyond blessed and thankful for all the support that we received and continue to receive from the people around us,” Pineda said.

In addition to the Zumba fundraiser, Pineda also had garage sales on July 19 and Aug. 1. All the money collected is dedicated for the medical bills and to pay for Gordon’s follow-up appointments and medicine.

“We are fundraising and doing as much as we can to collect the funds we need,” Pineda said. “I also have a friend who is a Mary Kay consultant, and we are coordinating a week where a percentage of purchases would be donated to Gordon.”

Pineda, like so many pet owners, wants people to understand that animals are not just replaceable creatures.

“He is the most loving, sweet, loyal dog and deserves a chance at life just like we all do,” Pineda said. “I love Gordon, and I want to do everything I can to provide him with a happy, healthy, and loving life.”

Anyone interested in making a donation to offset Gordon’s medical expenses do so via Paypal at rissa112@gmail.com.

  Isiah REYES