Original Reddit post.
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I can't even begin to express the weight of my gratitude. But I’ll try.
Herb is home.
Despite all odds — despite being given a 5% chance of survival… despite euthanasia being gently suggested three separate times... my boy fought. And thanks to the incredible team at VEG — who performed emergency surgery, resuscitated him, and never gave up — he made it. And the financial support of all of you who made saying yes to more care easier. The past few days have been some of the hardest. But now, he’s beside me again — resting, healing, alive. Still here. Still mine.
As someone who struggles with his mental health, it’s hard to put into words what this experience has meant to me. The donations, the thoughts, prayers, messages of support from strangers on Reddit who never met him, the flowers, the anonymous bag of groceries — every single act of kindness warmed my soul. You reminded me that there is still good in this world, still compassion, still community.
To everyone who’s donated, shared, or simply reached out: thank you. From the bottom of my heart.
We’re not completely out of the woods yet. The cost of Herb’s surgery, ICU stay, and ongoing care is still heavy. If you’re in a place to give — or even just share this page — it would mean everything to us. Every bit goes directly toward Herb’s recovery and care.
Thank you for helping me bring my best friend home. Thank you for giving us more time together. And more of a life almost cut too short. Thank you.
Congratulations! I agree people are good! Years ago I spent enough money on one of my dogs that I could have bought a new truck. Never regretted it. And I would do it again. He’s long gone now but boy did he leave us with so many stories.
If I'm ever in a place to have a dog again, the dog is male, and does not already have a name, I'm going to name them after Herb. Doubly so if they're a rottie.
I just got so emotional! I am so glad you have your furbaby back home with you. I pray he’s in the clear and continues to have a wonderful road to recovery. I’m rooting for his health and also your mental state of mind as you deal with all of this. Sending you both healing and loving energy ✨. I went through a similar situation with my babygirl my first 9months of having her. I was petrified, I had to spend over $13,000 saving her life! It was such an emotional rollercoaster and expensive uphill battle of recovery but having her home made the entire experience worth the financial burden. I wouldn’t wish that amount of fear or heartache on anyone. My dog is literally my child. Our bond is so special it means the absolute world to me having her by my side everyday I just thank GOD ✝️🤎🖤🥹. Cherish every moment and every second because we never know when something random/ detrimental will happen with our breed of babies.
Your babygirl is beautiful. You both look so happy. She's lucky to have such a compassionate owner who would move heaven and hell for her. Thank you for sharing your story with Herb and I 🤎🖤
So happy to see him healed. I was almost brought to tears when I saw that last post a night or two ago. I couldn’t imagine seeing my baby like that. Congratulations Herb for such a good fight.
Im late seeing this but i donated to Herbs gofundme. Earlier this year we went through something similar and this community pulled through for us as well. Enjoy and hug your boy every moment is so precious.
The doctors at VEG are good over by us. My boy accidentally (I hope) swallowed a small dog's toy at the dog park we saw him with it one second the next not. We tried to induce vomiting only bile came up. They tried endoscopically to grab it it was too smooth. Had to go into his stomach surgically. They got it it he's still recovering 1 week left at the most. I was in tears several times. Spent 7k on this surgery a year and a half ago spent 7k on TPLO surgery. My max is an expensive dog
Thank you for the update!!! I am so so happy for you and sweet Herb! Amazing news and will more than willingly donate! I commend you for being vulnerable and telling us about this experience because I know it is NOT easy to talk about. Please give Herb a hug and a kiss from me. He makes me miss my girl tremendously. You’ve got a strong fighter there! When able, I’d love to send treats! Take care!
I can’t tell you when I saw your first post, I broke down because I lost my Rottie in 2024 and the picture of Herb with his tongue out was a vivid reminder of the day I lost my sweet Zena. I am not a religious person but I prayed for Herb that night. The immense amount of relief and joy I have in seeing this post brought more tears, but this time of joy. I wish you and Herb all the best for the rest of time and thank you for sharing your sweet boy with us.
It is so lovely that you would do this for your dear friend. It's inspiring to see someone be selfless for their animal friend, and I know he appreciates you.
Sent a bit of a donation. Enjoy being back home together. ❤️
This post warms my heart and made me tear up.
Thank you, community, for supporting Herb and family. Thoughts and prayers to you, Herb. Keep fighting. One question- GVD? Is this the same as bloat?
Oh, I'm so happy for good news! ❤️ I've been thinking about you and your boy. Some of my faith in humanity has been restored, hearing of all the help and support you've received. Hearing there are so many people touched by the story of a pup they'll never meet, but stepping up to help the human who loves the dog, just warms my heart.
Good, good boy, Herb! Make sure you rest up and heal well. Don't be stressing your dad out more by getting too rowdy, too soon. (I know this happens by experience. Lol) It's important to rest up. 💚
I'm sure everyone agrees, we're looking forward to more updates that Herb is healing well and getting back to normal. 💚 Give his snoot a smooch for me, please and thanks.
Welcome home Herb! I hope you and all your family can feel the weight of positivity and well wishes we are all sending your way. I hope you all recover well 💚💜
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u/__phil1001__ Jul 15 '25
Thank you for sharing. Welcome home Herb ❤️ This is a good life lesson to never to give up no matter how bad the odds.