Miracle Maggie
Donation protected
We are the loving family of sweet Maggie who arrived at our doorstep 4 years ago from a high kill shelter in LA. A few weeks ago Maggie woke up and was unable to move her hind legs. She had apparently ruptured a disc in her spine that affected 3 of her vertebrae, causing her to be paralyzed in her hind legs. While this is common in small dogs, it is not so common in dogs of Maggie's size. We were told our only choices were to medicate her so she would be comfortable, but likely never walk again, or to have an invasive surgery performed on her back, giving her an 80% chance that she will have mobility in her hind legs again. We had just a few hours to decide what to do because every minute that went by was causing more pressure on her spine and reducing her chances.
The cost of the surgery was $8500 and the cost to maintain her comfort was only $1200, but the thought of condemning our little ranch dog, who is used to running free and cuddling her family and friends, to a life in a cart, had no price. We had to choose the surgery!
Maggie, after all, is a family member. One who has taken her responsibilities as such very seriously. For the past three years we depended on her to stay with our cancer stricken mother and keep her company, day in and day out, so the rest of us could prepare meals, doctor's appointments, chemo appointments, medications, and family and friend's final visits for Mom. She worked so hard at her job that she knew to prance over to Mom's room every single morning, without fail, and lay beside her. Maggie wasn't allowed on the bed (Mom's rule) but it was enough for her to be next to her and keep a watchful eye. Maggie did this to the bitter end with Mom. Even on the last evening of Mom's life she, unprovoked, jumped up on her hospital bed to be even closer and guide her to her final breath.
After Mom died, Maggie dutifully went to find her for weeks to come, but instead gave her love and cuddles to the rest of us so we could heal and she could continue to give us some of the love that was now missing for all of us.
Maggie now has a long road to recovery and we likely won't know how much movement she will have for at least another six weeks, minimum. Whereas we know giving Maggie this chance was the right thing to do, the costs have been prohibitive. We need help to pay for Maggie's surgery and after care. She needs acupuncture, cold laser treatments, and water rehabilitation in addition to medications that will prevent infection.
Please consider helping our little Mags and donating to her recovery. We are optimistic that Maggie has what it takes to get back on all four of her feet! She has even started with a few tail wags to prove her determination!
Thank you for anything you can do, and Maggie promises kisses and cuddles for all who are able to help.
Love,
Laina, Emy, Nathan, David, and Naida too!
The cost of the surgery was $8500 and the cost to maintain her comfort was only $1200, but the thought of condemning our little ranch dog, who is used to running free and cuddling her family and friends, to a life in a cart, had no price. We had to choose the surgery!
Maggie, after all, is a family member. One who has taken her responsibilities as such very seriously. For the past three years we depended on her to stay with our cancer stricken mother and keep her company, day in and day out, so the rest of us could prepare meals, doctor's appointments, chemo appointments, medications, and family and friend's final visits for Mom. She worked so hard at her job that she knew to prance over to Mom's room every single morning, without fail, and lay beside her. Maggie wasn't allowed on the bed (Mom's rule) but it was enough for her to be next to her and keep a watchful eye. Maggie did this to the bitter end with Mom. Even on the last evening of Mom's life she, unprovoked, jumped up on her hospital bed to be even closer and guide her to her final breath.
After Mom died, Maggie dutifully went to find her for weeks to come, but instead gave her love and cuddles to the rest of us so we could heal and she could continue to give us some of the love that was now missing for all of us.
Maggie now has a long road to recovery and we likely won't know how much movement she will have for at least another six weeks, minimum. Whereas we know giving Maggie this chance was the right thing to do, the costs have been prohibitive. We need help to pay for Maggie's surgery and after care. She needs acupuncture, cold laser treatments, and water rehabilitation in addition to medications that will prevent infection.
Please consider helping our little Mags and donating to her recovery. We are optimistic that Maggie has what it takes to get back on all four of her feet! She has even started with a few tail wags to prove her determination!
Thank you for anything you can do, and Maggie promises kisses and cuddles for all who are able to help.
Love,
Laina, Emy, Nathan, David, and Naida too!
Organizer
Laina Cohn
Organizer
Ojai, CA