I’m Diego Salgado, 24, from Santa Paula. I rent a small place with a beat-up shed out back, and over the past year I turned it into a tiny rescue spot. Ten dogs sleep here now—some on beds, some under my kitchen table, all of them safe. I’m a full-time student, so I budget hard: second-hand blankets, bulk kibble, and a lot of elbow grease. Most months it works. This month it hasn’t.

Three of my dogs—Coco, Diesel, and Ruby—got sick at the same time. On July 24, 2025, I took them to the vet with a folder of notes and more worry than money. Coco has a stubborn skin infection that needs a week of IV antibiotics and careful daily cleaning. Diesel’s right front leg has a painful joint infection; he needs X-rays, anti-inflammatory medication, and short, guided therapy walks. Ruby had an abscess that had to be drained the same day; she came home with a tiny surgical drain and a quiet pen to rest.

The vet showed me how to do the basics at home: cleanse Coco’s skin gently with diluted antiseptic twice a day, keep Diesel on flat ground and do slow range-of-motion stretches, and change Ruby’s dressing every twelve hours without scaring her. I wrote everything down, set alarms on my phone, and rearranged my class schedule.

Upcoming check-ins

• August 1: Ruby’s wound check and dressing plan

• August 7: Coco’s recheck and switch to oral meds if healing well

• August 14: Diesel’s repeat X-ray and therapy plan

Mornings start earlier now. I warm a towel for Coco’s medicated bath, count out Diesel’s pills in a small jar with his name on it, and sit on the floor so Ruby will eat a little while I change her bandage. They’re good dogs. They try so hard. But the bills are bigger than I can carry alone.

What your help covers

• Emergency care already done (Ruby’s drainage, Coco’s IV antibiotics, Diesel’s initial X-rays and meds)

• Two weeks of medications, wound supplies, and rechecks for all three

• A handful of short hydro/physical-therapy sessions for Diesel so he can use his leg without pain

• Special food to keep their stomachs calm while they’re on antibiotics

• Basic care for the rest of the pack while I focus on these three

Estimated total: $9,000–$12,000. I set the goal at $10,800 and will post invoices and updates after every visit so you can see exactly where things stand.

Medical documents & imaging attached

For transparency, I’ve attached the dogs’ medical files, including X-rays and, where ordered, MRI/CT images, along with visit summaries. I’ve blurred personal account numbers and any sensitive details. These files are there so you can see the medical basis for their treatment plans.

What you’ll find in the attachments:

• Imaging files (X-ray and, when applicable, MRI/CT) with the areas of concern marked by the clinician.

• Report pages that explain the findings in plain language (infection, swelling, or fluid buildup where noted).

• Discharge instructions that match the home-care steps I’m following (cleaning, medications, activity limits).

If anyone needs additional documentation for peace of mind, I’m happy to share redacted invoices and the follow-up notes after each appointment. I’ll add progress photos (never graphic) so you can see healing over time.

If you’re able to help, thank you. If your own budget is tight, even a $5 donation or a share makes a real difference. I’ll keep doing the early baths, the careful walks, and the late-night checks—because they would do the same for me if they could. Your kindness turns into tail wags and quiet, healthy sleep for three dogs who finally got a second chance. From me, and from Coco, Diesel, and Ruby: thank you for caring.