Have a Heart for Harlow!
Donation protected
Meet Harlow, affectionately known as "Harlow the Hippo," and her mom, Shannen. After a wonderful story of rescue (read below), Harlow has recently been diagnosed as having a complete ACL tear. Due to her size, age, and physiology, Harlow will require a more specialized surgery to repair the tear (TPLO: tibial-plateau-leveling osteotomy). The surgery will be performed at a specialist and is estimated to cost $4,400. Harlow needs this surgery in order to do everyday things, including walk down the two stories of her second floor apartment to use the bathroom. Please have a heart for Harlow, a dog with a beautiful spirit who has already been through so much and deserves to have a happy life!
Harlow’s rescue story began in January 2015 when she entered Cleveland Animal Control after she was found running as a stray with another dog. Her body told a story of her former life: underweight, used for breeding, tattered with sores and scars from what looked like years of living outside, and her skin was red, itchy, and missing in many places. That didn’t stop her from soaking up all of the attention she could from volunteers. Harlow exudes so much light and love, that she was an instant volunteer favorite; anyone who met her felt instantly bonded to her amazing soul. Shortly after a Facebook plea for help, SecondHand Mutts took Harlow into their rescue, vowing to give her the care she needed through their program, The Extra Mile (To find out more about SecondHand Mutts’ The Extra Mile program and to see Harlow in action, click here: http://fox8.com/2015/11/14/secondhand-mutts-muttsgiving/). Through this program, Harlow was treated for Heartworm, Demodex mange, and had skin and mammary tumors removed, making her road to recovery a long one. In May 2015, Shannen began escorting Harlow to events. Shannen adored Harlow so much, that she offered to begin fostering her following her spay surgery. In late summer, Harlow developed severe allergies, which led to hair loss and several secondary infections in her ears and eyes. Harlow now takes prescription medication daily to manage her allergies.
In October 2015, Shannen officially adopted Harlow. Her mom says, “Harlow is my girl. She and I have been through so much including my own health issues. I take her with me whenever I can. She brings my spirit up and has helped me get through my own health battles. I work 2 jobs right now to try to make sure I can support her and I. I just want Harlow to be ok. I'd do anything for her. I can't imagine my life without her. Anytime she and I can cuddle is the best time of my day. She has been there through 2 of my own surgeries in addition to her multiple surgeries. We have endured quite a lot together.”
In December 2015, Harlow required an additional surgery to remove several mammary tumors. During her recovery, Harlow started limping and favoring her back leg. She was put on pain medications and crate rest. When she wasn't getting any better, she went for x-rays and a full exam. They determined her cruciate ligament (ACL) had ruptured. Dr. Michelle and Dr. Brian at Gateway Animal Clinic examined her and said she will need a TPLO, as a regular ACL repair surgery would not work due to her size and age. At her vet’s recommendation, Shannen saw a specialist who confirmed that a TPLO will be needed to repair Harlow’s leg. They have estimated the cost of this surgery to be $4,400.
Harlow’s mom, Shannen, says, “She loves going to downtown Tremont to see people so I drive her to Edisons. She goes on all on the patios too in the summer. She's a favorite out there. Her happiness is infectious, so I can't wait to get her all fixed up so she can enjoy the summer.”
Please have a heart for Harlow, and donate towards her medical costs. This senior gal has the courage of a lion and the calm of the sea; she is balanced, secure, and gentle. A soul like this is a rare find; one that offers love in it's purest form. Harlow has a happiness that radiates from her; it's contagious. She deserves the world. Please become a part of her rescue story by donating to her care.
*All donations will go directly towards Harlow’s surgery. All funds collected above and beyond the cost of surgery will be donated to SecondHand Mutts’ The Extra Mile program, so they can continue to ensure dogs like Harlow have a second chance.
Harlow’s rescue story began in January 2015 when she entered Cleveland Animal Control after she was found running as a stray with another dog. Her body told a story of her former life: underweight, used for breeding, tattered with sores and scars from what looked like years of living outside, and her skin was red, itchy, and missing in many places. That didn’t stop her from soaking up all of the attention she could from volunteers. Harlow exudes so much light and love, that she was an instant volunteer favorite; anyone who met her felt instantly bonded to her amazing soul. Shortly after a Facebook plea for help, SecondHand Mutts took Harlow into their rescue, vowing to give her the care she needed through their program, The Extra Mile (To find out more about SecondHand Mutts’ The Extra Mile program and to see Harlow in action, click here: http://fox8.com/2015/11/14/secondhand-mutts-muttsgiving/). Through this program, Harlow was treated for Heartworm, Demodex mange, and had skin and mammary tumors removed, making her road to recovery a long one. In May 2015, Shannen began escorting Harlow to events. Shannen adored Harlow so much, that she offered to begin fostering her following her spay surgery. In late summer, Harlow developed severe allergies, which led to hair loss and several secondary infections in her ears and eyes. Harlow now takes prescription medication daily to manage her allergies.
In October 2015, Shannen officially adopted Harlow. Her mom says, “Harlow is my girl. She and I have been through so much including my own health issues. I take her with me whenever I can. She brings my spirit up and has helped me get through my own health battles. I work 2 jobs right now to try to make sure I can support her and I. I just want Harlow to be ok. I'd do anything for her. I can't imagine my life without her. Anytime she and I can cuddle is the best time of my day. She has been there through 2 of my own surgeries in addition to her multiple surgeries. We have endured quite a lot together.”
In December 2015, Harlow required an additional surgery to remove several mammary tumors. During her recovery, Harlow started limping and favoring her back leg. She was put on pain medications and crate rest. When she wasn't getting any better, she went for x-rays and a full exam. They determined her cruciate ligament (ACL) had ruptured. Dr. Michelle and Dr. Brian at Gateway Animal Clinic examined her and said she will need a TPLO, as a regular ACL repair surgery would not work due to her size and age. At her vet’s recommendation, Shannen saw a specialist who confirmed that a TPLO will be needed to repair Harlow’s leg. They have estimated the cost of this surgery to be $4,400.
Harlow’s mom, Shannen, says, “She loves going to downtown Tremont to see people so I drive her to Edisons. She goes on all on the patios too in the summer. She's a favorite out there. Her happiness is infectious, so I can't wait to get her all fixed up so she can enjoy the summer.”
Please have a heart for Harlow, and donate towards her medical costs. This senior gal has the courage of a lion and the calm of the sea; she is balanced, secure, and gentle. A soul like this is a rare find; one that offers love in it's purest form. Harlow has a happiness that radiates from her; it's contagious. She deserves the world. Please become a part of her rescue story by donating to her care.
*All donations will go directly towards Harlow’s surgery. All funds collected above and beyond the cost of surgery will be donated to SecondHand Mutts’ The Extra Mile program, so they can continue to ensure dogs like Harlow have a second chance.
Organizer and beneficiary
Julie May Konopinski
Organizer
Cleveland, OH
Shannen Von Alt
Beneficiary