Update: There For Us During Pandemic, Now Mike Roy Needs Our Help

EAST HAVEN, CT — When Patch first met Michael Roy it was very early in the pandemic lockdown. What he did for the community in those early days was to give hope. Roy drove his truck with American flags and patriotic music throughout town to lift spirits but also to raise money for first responders and the East Haven food pantry.

And his efforts inspired many, like the kids on Angela Drive Patch wrote about, who twice held a two family food drive in their driveways. The kids had heard his truck drive by and wanted to also be helpers.

Roy is a veteran. He served in the Marines and he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. Six years ago, he adopted a puppy from the New Haven animal shelter. He named her Stella. She's more than a companion, she's his therapy dog, his best buddy, who goes "everywhere with me."

"I really can’t lose her and need all the help I can get cause she's the only thing I have," Roy told Patch.

Stella is an a veterinary intensive care unit. She needs an expensive but vital surgery. He can in no way afford it.

"She's not getting the oxygen she needs to breathe," he said, explaining her airways are blocked and only a surgery will correct that condition. An $8,000 surgery. He created a GoFundMe to help and as of early Tuesday morning, so far has $600 in donations.

"As you all know Stella my dog is the only major thing I have in my life and idk what I would do with out her. She helps me with companionship and comfort for my PTSD from the Marines. I am asking for help to cover costs for her to have emergency surgery on her airway so she can live and I don’t have to lose her. She is currently in the ICU. Any amount will definitely help thank you so much. Thank you."

Donate here.

UPDATE: Roy contacted Patch very early Wednesday to say that Stella had the surgery she needed late Tuesday and is recovering.

"Due to GoFundMe donations and private donations, Stella has had her surgery and is recovering and should be home later today. I want to thank everyone who has helped me, whether it be by donations or just spreading the word. I am beyond thankful that I can continue to have my baby girl Stella in my life for years to come."

UPDATE Wednesday:

Stella had the surgery but it didn't work as hoped, so she was taken to Guilford Veterinary Hospital for a second surgery on Wednesday, Mike told Patch.

"So unfortunately I have bad news Stella is getting transported to a Guilford ER as we speak to have another operation because she is only getting 20% airflow the surgery yesterday was supposed to fix that but she needs more invasive surgery to get her to a livable stage. Please pray for her she needs all prayers she can get."

Update Thursday:

This morning, Mike shared some good news with Patch.

"I am very very happy to report that Stella is in her final recovery from her second surgery late yesterday and it was very successful. She she currently going to be weaned off all her IV meds and I am due to call them at 2 p.m. to confirm to pick her up at 3:30 today! Thanks again to everyone that has helped and is helping I am so grateful. I’ll will post another update when she is finally home!"

When we get a photo of Stella home with her best friend, we'll share it.

Update Thursday, 5 p.m.

Stella is home.

"Once again I cannot thank everyone enough for what was done for Stella and me," Mike told Patch. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for saving her."

GoFundMe is a Patch partner.