South Orange Resident Sells Shirts To Pay For Pup's Surgery

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ - It struck suddenly, according to rescue dog owner AJ Albrecht. On April 18, Mama Julep woke up unable to use her back legs and in excruciating pain.

According to Albrecht, an MRI less than 12 hours later revealed that her L3/L4 vertebrae had herniated, and only emergency spinal surgery could restore her ability to walk.

"Knowing that our 6.5 year old, carrot crunching, certified therapy dog and foster dog matriarch has so much more to do and give in her life, we moved forward with the surgery that same day," Albrecht said.

Just three days after the successful procedure, Mama Julep walked out of the hospital on her own four feet with little assistance. See video below:

She is expected to make a full recovery after 4-6 weeks of strict rest, Albrecht said. While that was happy news, the downside was the dog's insurance would not be assisting with the bill.

Because Mama Julep's wobbly walk, ataxia, was noted on her paperwork from the day she arrived at the Best Friends' Hurricane Harvey Rescue and Reunite Center, her insurance coverage noted "pre-existing conditions" and will not cover anything related to her spine, Albrecht said.

"So far, her MRI and surgery expenses alone have come to over $8,000," Albrecht said.

To offset the costs, Albrecht is selling shirts with Mama June's face on it. Those interested can purchase them online through May 20.

"Thank you for supporting Mama Julep by sporting a shirt with her ridiculous face on it," Albrecht said.

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