Hot Dogs Lauri Pearson Surgery

Hot Dog's Pet Grooming Salon's owner and operator, Lauri Pearson, is faced with weeks of being unable to make a living.

Lauri had wrist and arm surgery on her right arm (her dominant side).  Over 8+ weeks, her wrist will be immobile – in a splint, then a full arm cast, then a short arm cast, and then a splint again.  Only then will physical therapy begin, which will take 7+ weeks to restore limited mobility so that she can begin performing simple daily tasks that all of us take for granted.  While she will groom again, Lauri is faced with weeks of being unable to make a living.

What did the surgery do? The surgeon shortened her ulnar bone by cutting a piece out, repaired a TFCC tear, and reconstructed an ECU tendon tear.

What happened? Lauri learned of the injuries to her arm in late 2016 when she finally saw the doctor after working with severe pain during her busy season.  The grooming that she is so passionate about was hurting her body.  Having a big heart prevented Lauri from saying "No" to certain grooms - whether from wrestling with an excited dog or when her body just needed to rest from an already busy day.  If her client called, 9 out of 10 times, she found a way to fit the pet in.  If she learned that a pet wasn't accepted elsewhere, she would take the pet in.  Lauri helped her clients & pets, but over the past few years, this has pushed her body beyond its ability.

Lauri was devastated when the orthopedic surgeon told her that she would require surgery and be out of work for weeks.  She spent the rest of 2016 and 2017 trying to prepare Hot Dogs for closure as well as preparing her business & personal finances for months of no income.  Many times, the pain was so extreme, tears poured down her face while she continued to push her body through the groom.  Several times, while enjoying an evening of our favorite TV shows, I would look over at Lauri and see tears sliding down her cheeks – silently endearing the pain.

No income. Lauri is self-employed – which means she did not pay into RI’s TDI – therefore she cannot collect TDI.  Also, as self-employed, she does not qualify for unemployment benefits.  Her only source of income during this time will be collecting disability insurance – which will pay a nominal amount after 3 months without work. 

Lauri doesn't want to ask for help - but I am insisting that we reach out to her friends, family, and long-standing clients to let them know that she does need help.

Where will the money go?  In order to keep the Hot Dogs’ location, Lauri must continue to pay rent, utilities, property taxes, and various maintenance & service contracts.  She has taken steps to reduce costs - she winterized Hot Dog's plumbing and pipes - which allows her to keep the heat off.  In addition to Hot Dogs' costs, Lauri must continue to make payments towards her mortgage, car, home utilities, as well as groceries.

There are other ways to help.  With her dominant right arm immobile, Lauri has only one hand to clean her house, wash dishes, make dinner, shovel snow, etc.  Lauri is also unable to drive.  Every little bit helps - cooking her dinner/lunch, driving her on her errands/appts, picking up groceries, even just stopping by to see if she needs help opening bottles, filling up a humidifier, taking out the trash, etc.

If you know Lauri, you know that she is compassionate and giving to others - well, she needs help but is refusing to ask for it.  Please find it in your heart to help someone who put her compassion before her health.