Fundraiser Started To Save Hoboken Dog's Life

HOBOKEN, NJ — Medical care for pets can be just as expensive as for people, but a dog can be loved just like any other family member.

Around Thanksgiving, Hoboken resident Jasmine Garcia realized that her family's 2-year-old dog, Rajah, couldn't urinate properly.

Now she and her mom need to raise money to save her pet's life.

On a GoFundMe started this month, Garcia wrote, "He was not able to urinate no matter how much effort he tried. He was taken to Banfield hospital to discover he has stones that developed (16 to be exact) and were stuck in his genital passageway. To resolve the matter, he needs an emergency surgery called the 'perineal urethrostomy' which is a delicate and costly procedure provided by a specialist."

Garcia added, "We were given the ultimatum of surgery or euthanizing him ... We appreciate any help possible to assist with the costs of his care as well as saving his young life."

Garcia told Patch that she and her mom, Katelyn Figueroa, who now lives in Elizabeth, have been taking care of Rajah since he was 7 weeks old, so the diagnosis "had us in distress. We did all we could to ensure his life was saved and here we are."

The pair have printed up posters for their GoFundMe that they placed around Hoboken (see photo of poster in Church Square Park, above.)

"Rajah is a wonderful dog," Jasmine said. "I've been running the GoFundMe and have been sharing flyers in town as well as other parts in hopes to shed light on our situation and to receive support."

She said she picked him out of a litter of pit bull puppies 2021.

"Rajah is a mix of Bluenose XL, Brindle and American Fawn." she said. "He was such a bundle of joy from the moment he arrived. He added so much into my life. He enjoyed hiking, the beach and overall play with all walks of life. He is super friendly with all animals. Small dogs especially are his favorite! He was treated as a son in my household, spoiled! He's more than a pet to us, he's literally our child and we wouldn't have it any other way."

She said the family has to start making payments in January toward the bills.

The family has posted a copy of Rajah's bill on the GoFundMe.

The fundraiser has a goal of $7,500. As of Monday, they had raised $945.

To contribute to the fundraiser or learn more, click here.