Hi! I am Mako’s partner and protector (well, “owner,” as many would say) Noelle. Last weekend, my adventure companion and working k9 Mako sustained a serious injury while we were recreating in the mountains. This accident (absolutely no fault of little Mako’s) resulted most notably in several fractured pelvic and pubic bones, requiring a plate to be put in, and the rest of the fractures are intended to fuse with rest.

(Pre-surgery fractures on the left, post-surgery xray on right).

For those who don’t know Mako, she is a beautiful soul. When not sniffing out invasive green crabs, endangered ground squirrels or pond turtle nests, or finding elusive carnivore scats for research, she is helping me with my own independent passion conservation projects, like sniffing out porcupine scats, deceased raptor remains, raptor pellets and nesting materials, invasive weeds, and so much more. She (along with my 2 other dogs) are also the driving force that have gotten me out of the house for walks “for my stupid mental health” as I or the plethora of internet neurodivergents like to put it, and I owe them all the world. She also gives AMAZING hugs as anyone who knows her can vouch for (if you don’t mind a little dewclaw in your hip). Working is Mako’s favorite thing in the WHOLE world, and I can’t even imagine a life for her where she can’t. It makes me immeasurably sad.

Mako and I on a scat detection project

Mako happy as a clam on a detection project.

Kylo and Mako on one of our hikes near Glacier National Park, the day before her injury.

Mako and I on our second day ever in the field surverying! I was soooo winded from the elevation, and she had tons of energy, but she rested whenever I did. She’s the best partner!

Anyways….

I was originally estimated just over 10,000 for her surgery and hospitalization. Due to X-rays being redone multiple times, and now with an estimation of recovery costs, multiple checkup xrays, and at-home medication, Mako’s vet bill is expected to be quite a bit more, although I don’t have this exact number yet (I would guess another $3k-6k, although this is very dependent on how her pelvis heals and what other care she needs (possible second surgical procedure for any of the fractures if not healing correctly, more X-rays, etc) please PLEASE think good thoughts for her! ). Her surgeon says it is likely she will be able to return to her work as a conservation canine, but she will need intensive rehab and therapy- the only place that offers this is 3 hours from my home which is quite a bit of gas money, if we are going often, and of course, costly. No matter what I need to do or how hard I need to work, I’m going to get her there and make this all work with or without fundraising, but I am definitely stressed about the driving costs and appointments she will need, and how this financial stress will affect our quality of life if unaided.

Mako and my other two dogs, Kylo and Raven.

Because I’ve always had the goal to be self-sufficient and completely financially independent, (plus had emergency money set aside in case anything was to happen to the dogs) I wasn’t intending to set up any fundraising, and it’s uncomfortable and a bit awkward for me to ask for help. But, unfortunately I was already dealing with a limited financial situation, and this is becoming a burden faster than I could have expected. It is obviously more than I had set aside for dog emergencies, as well. With two jobs, demanding college coursework, and my other dogs’ and Mako’s care, I don’t have any time to “work harder,” or make the money myself, although I’m doing the best I can! I’m quite literally stretched as thin as I can go, and I hate to say it. I can’t afford to pause courses either, as by taking a break, I will lose financial aid that I’m already depending on, and at this point, lose the money I paid for the current courses I’m participating in, although a pause is imminent in the future. With Mako’s post-op care, I will be taking an unknown amount of unpaid leave from my full time position, which tightens money more.

“Does two balls mean you’re twice as likely to play with me?”

I’ve decided to try to raise some of the cost of post-op appointments, rehab, and therapy (laser, physical), while I focus on making the money to pay for her surgery. I will be working extra hard to cover this cost, doing virtual work alongside my current full-time position, as well as traveling on the weekends to larger cities and offering Photoshoots specifically to go towards Mako’s bill. I am trying to get a third job that would allow me to do something remote in my spare time. Likely biological data entry?

Mako getting all the love while recovering, but not feeling too well. She is always so excited and happy, so it’s hard for me to see her ears pinned back and her sad face. :(

All that being said, I appreciate anything we can get. With a bit of help, I can focus more on Mako, my other dogs, and also school and work, without being overly stressed about making ends meet. I also want to acknowledge that a lot of people have offered assorted services, have shared my information, paid for enrichment items for Mako’s recovery, and simply offered an empathetic listening ear, and these things are all very valuable to me. I’m touched by the kindness we’ve received, it’s already more than I expected. I appreciate these things just as much as a monetary donation, and I understand if folks aren’t in a situation to donate. If you’re able to share, it might reach someone who could! Thank you everyone!