Chevy's Champions

September 30th at 8:08pm I received a call from my sister, Ashley. She was frantic and asking me if I had heard from our mother... "No," I replied. "What happened?" My heart sank - was it
our grandmother? Was it mom or dad? I couldn't imagine what she was going to say...

She took a breath, paused as if she needed to gather strength, and told me that her dog, Chevy, had been struck by a large pick-up truck while playing outside. Her voice began to weaken and I could hear the tears begin to flow. "He was chasing a rabbit," she sobbed. "He loves chasing rabbits. On our land it's no big deal, he just runs, but at Gary's parents'..." Her voice dropped off.

I encouraged her that he would be ok and to try to calm down. I explained that he's a tough dog and he will make it through. She wasn't so sure. "It was an accident," I told her. "It could have happened anywhere. Chevy is so FAST, and so playful, it's hard to keep track of him. Even on a leash!"

She called again about an hour later. "He has a collapsed lung and head injuries - he's pretty banged up. Herkimer vet doesn't have the equipment to help him," she sighed. "We are taking him to the Veterinary Medical Center of CNY in Syracuse."

By now it's 10pm and I'm worried about Chevy's safety and Ashley and Gary's safety making the trip so late. I knew their adrenaline would be pumping and that they would be fine, but still - I took pause.

My heart broke.

This was her BABY. He's only a year old. He has just started his life. He's still a pup.

I wish I could tell you this story has a happy ending... we are working hard to make sure it does. But we need your help.

Chevy's lung is not strong. It keeps trapping air. The next steps are to drain the air with tubes for 48 hours. From there a CT Scan and, if it will work, surgery.

Otherwise a hard decision needs to be made.

If surgery takes place... Ashley and Gary, being a young couple and just getting on their feet, need your help to make sure Chevy comes home.

Between the Herkimer Vet and the initial costs at the Veterinary Medical Center, they are already in for $3,880. If the surgery takes place they could realize up to $8,000 in total medical costs.

I am asking our friends, family and fellow animal lovers - the real ones, who know what it means to have a pet as part of your family - to please donate what you can today. Any little bit will help.

And please...

Be a Champion for Chevy and help share his story.

"May the angels watch over you, Chevy, and guide you to a speedy recovery."

We love you!