Help Save Mini - attacked by dogs
My name is Amie Hawks and I’m sitting here tonight with such an incredibly heavy heart.
My former roommate and best friend, Terra Poplstein, was out of town at her sister’s wedding, happy, carefree and looking forward to coming home this past Wednesday to see her little Chihuahua, Mini – basically, her baby. Came home, she did, but got the saddest shock and news of her life.
On Wednesday, May 11th, 2016 a friend had been watching little Mini for Terra as she attended her sister’s wedding in Mexico.
That afternoon, about an hour before Terra was due to land, her little Mini was brutally attacked by several dogs who live next door to the friend who was taking care of her. the dog-sitter’s dad found Mini, unconscious, by a fence near their home, covered in dirt and blood; we’re not sure “how” this all went down, but will indeed find out the story as soon as Mini is out of the woods.
Let me tell you a little bit about Terra, and then about Terra and Mini, and how they met.
I have known Terra for 5 years. Terra is one of those people who will go out of her way to help those who are in need, she is kind and generous and loves with all of her heart, especially her little Mini. She is also not the type to ever ask for help, so that’s why I’ve decided to start this page.
Terra is Mini’s angel, and Mini is Terra’s salvation. Let me explain. 3 years ago, Terra was in the right place at the right time when Mini came into her life. Mini was hit by a car, a hit-n-run, and left in the middle of a busy intersection.
Without thinking twice, Terra got out of her car to rescue this pup. She ran into the intersection and rushed her to an emergency, veterinarian hospital. Terra saved Mini’s life that day, and in return, Mini has saved hers right back (we all know the unconditional love that our pets give, and sometimes their love and faithful companionship is all we need to get thru hard times – Mini is the best at this for Terra).
Terra’s friend, the dog-sitter, rushed Mini to the hospital this past Wednesday whereupon she called me crying and upset, telling me the horrible news – I left work immediately to the hospital to offer whatever help I could. My heart broke for every minute that passed, knowing Terra was due to land very soon, and couldn’t wait to see Mini.
When the doctor saw Mini for the first time, being covered in dirt and blood, having her gut ripped open, and pretty much unresponsive, he proclaimed, “This dog probably won’t make it.” We couldn’t even bear the thought.
Given that Terra wasn’t in town yet, and unreachable by phone, Terra’s friend had to give the needed permission to the doctors so they can proceed and try to save Mini’s life. The doctor asked if Terra was the type of person who would do anything and everything to save her pet – that was an easy answer, and a big resounding YES!
First, they thought Mini might have brain damage because her eyes were rolling and unfocused. Clearly in shock, the doctor gave her some medication to calm her down so they can determine if Mini would even survive the complicated surgery (or surgeries) ahead. Her body temperature was very low, so they gently placed her in an incubator (pictured below) to help raise it.
After a few hours, and even though it was incredibly minor, Mini became responsive which motivated the doctor to proceed since it was more than what he anticipated or expected.
When Terra and her husband arrived they were taken to the back room to see Mini. The situation aside, I was glad they were no longer in Mexico as Mini seemed to respond to their voices.
As of this evening, so far the doctors have been able to rule out brain damage, which allowed them to proceed to the next step, surgery. Once in surgery, they found she had not only torn muscles throughout, but beneath the torn muscles she had punctured wounds on her organs. They inevitably had to remove much of Mini’s intestines. By 1:00am, Mini needed to get a plasma infusion, which help allowed her blood pressure and body temperature to become closer to normal. However, around 6:30pm this evening, and the last text/update that I’ve received, Terra said that Mini was being transported to a “Specialty Doctor” to get a blood transfusion and an ultrasound. I’m not sure what else the specialty doctor does.
Terra was prepared to pay more than likely, $5K for this ordeal; but she wasn’t prepared hearing that the cost for Mini’s stay and hopefully, recovery, will be no less than $2K a day! Regardless, Terra said she will do whatever she needs to save her little Mini, as long as quality of life is good.
I feel helpless. I’m not rich. We’re not rich. I can only be there for Terra in every way that I can, and pray. Then I was reminded of GoFundMe, and I felt my prayers, in that moment, were answered. As I write this, I’m feeling a dual emotion (besides all my other emotions pertaining to this incident). On one hand, I’m realizing it truly is hard to ask for help, especially in an open forum such as this. On the other hand, I realize so many dog and cat lovers alike are helping each other, stranger to stranger, taking a chance and giving their trust, all for the common bond most of us share – our beloved pets!
I know Terra would not create a page for herself; she is the helper, not the “help-ee”, but she needs to know that this is what friends and/or people who love each other, do, and that it’s okay to ask for help, and, that there is a dog-loving community out there who possibly understands a tragic situation like this, and are wanting, willing and able to help, even if it’s with prayer. This is what I can do for my friend.
I thank everyone in advance for whatever amount you can give (along with your prayers) to help save her little Mini.
Life, it’s definitely a trip, full of twists and turns, unknowns and familiarities; ironically, the hospital who saved little Mini’s life the first time, is the same hospital trying to save her life now!
I will continue with updates, pictures and records showing whatever it is I can. God bless to everyone, and thank you again for your support, prayers and help.
