Chikako Mochizuki and her seeing eye dog, Comet, on a trip to New Mexico in 2009. Last week Comet had a tumor removed by clinicians at the Kansas State Veterinary Clinic on April 13. With help from community donors, Mochizuki was able to raise the $6,000 needed for the surgery.
Even with a malignant tumor, Chikako Mochizuki’s seeing eye dog, Comet, keeps working, guiding her around as she has for nine years.
“She’s a real trouper,” said Mochizuki, a Kansas University doctoral student in history who’s from Japan.
Comet, a yellow Labrador retriever, was diagnosed with a tumor, called thymoma, last week. Mochizuki is seeking donations for the $6,000 surgery to remove the tumor, which is between Comet’s throat and heart. Without surgery, which would be performed at the Kansas State University Veterinary Clinic, Comet could have less than six months to live.
Comet has been a constant companion for Mochizuki and the dog is well known throughout the history department. Eric Rath, a professor of history, recently sent out an email to the department asking for donations.
“We all hope that Comet will continue to be her companion for many years to come,” wrote Rath.
Mochizuki will defend her dissertation this summer, and she hopes to bring Comet, who’s been with her since she started at KU.
“I do hope Comet will be there,” she said.
Donations can be made at Commerce Bank, where Mochizuki has opened a special fund for Comet, or checks can be made out to Mochizuki and sent to Sandee Kennedy at KU’s history department, 3650 Wescoe Hall, 1445 Jayhawk Blvd., Lawrence, KS 66045. For further information, email Mochizuki at mochizukichikako@ku.edu.
Comments
Did_I_say_that 2 years, 1 month ago
Does it really cost $6K, or is that an arbitrary fee that Kansas State University Veterinary Clinic charges?
It just seems that in cases like this, a state funded institution could waive the fees and get this pup healthy sooner rather than later.
RoeDapple 2 years, 1 month ago
What_Did_I_said
shaunepec 2 years, 1 month ago
From the information I have, the surgery costs more than $6,000, but KSU offered a reduced rate in this case, as they do in other similar cases.
Shaun Hittle Reporter LJW
themiddlechild 2 years, 1 month ago
She should try MU Veterinary school.
Pywacket 2 years, 1 month ago
You should realize that they would cost as much or more.
I know--a friend took her beloved dog there a good 20 years ago and it cost them a fortune (which they were willing to pay). She and her husband actually went to KSU first and they referred them to MU, as MU had more experience with the type of cancer their dog had. After untold trips back & forth for treatments, the dog succumbed anyway. I think they felt it was worth the money (if only to prolong the animal's life a few months and to manage her pain humanely), but they were certainly not cheap.
I'm mystified as to why anyone (such as "Did I Say That") would expect these teaching hospitals to offer cheap or free services--they have the same expenses as any for-profit veterinary practice. And if they did try to offer cut-rate services, they'd be inundated with desperate folks who (like me and many others) simply could not afford expensive cancer treatment for their pets otherwise. The sad fact is, many companion animals die of such diseases because their humans cannot afford treatment.
Did_I_say_that 2 years, 1 month ago
Well, Py, let me help demystify you. Since the state, and other non-profits, will end up paying many more thousands for a replacement service animal it might make sense for a different state entity (funded by state tax payers) to help one of those most in need and least capable of meeting that need; and to do so at less cost by treating an already trained animal.
No, I would not expect anyone to offer Py or DIST free medical services for our pets. But, this story is not about a pet. It is about a very special pet that provides a much needed service to a very special member of the community.
And, finally, as to your point that, "they have the same expenses as any for-profit veterinary practice." I would doubt that to be true. Since it is a state funded teaching hospital the costs are probably much greater than the private sector. Yet, the key is ... it is funded.
Greg Smith 2 years, 1 month ago
Looks like people can donate thru "chipin.com" too...
http://comet.chipin.com/
Might be easier for some users... or at least more convenient.
jschneiderwind 2 years, 1 month ago
Thanks for the link Greg. If any of you are apprehensive about donating toward Comet's bills through Chipin, let me reassure you. Chikako has been a colleague of mine in the KU history department and Comet has always been a loyal and wonderful helper. It breaks my heart that she needs this surgery and I wanted to do something to help. I set up the Chipin site to make it easy for anyone to donate to Comet's recovery. Please donate whatever you can and help spread the word through facebook, twitter, or email your friends and family to help out. Thank you.
http://comet.chipin.com/
christy kennedy 2 years, 1 month ago
That was easy, thanks for setting it up. Best wishes to Chikako and Comet.
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