Hanna's Hope

Hanna is a special dog who on 9/25/17 was diagnosed with Granulomatous Meningo-encephalitis (GME) a rare, painful and, if not properly treated, devastating central nervous system disorder.   Her mother is trying to gain funds to quickly pay increasing vet bills and get Hanna the care she needs. If you could help Hanna now, it could ease her suffering and prevent future problems; and help her mother sleep better at night.

Hanna has had urgent/ emergency care twice in a week and previously  over a few months trying to find the source of Hanna's seizures, crying episodes, and muscle soreness. Hanna's human and furry family adore her. Hanna loves her life; her favorite things are sunny breezes, swimming in the ocean, fetching a ball, rolling in the grass, playing with her friends (bossing them around), and peanut butter kongs.  Sadly, this year her body and brain began to turn on her. She started having seizure episodes, pain episodes with difficulty turning her head, and fever. This escalated to Hanna having  episodes of severe pain with inability to move her neck in any direction, stiff limbs and fever and crying out.  She also has states of confusion, appearing anxious and not knowing what to do during walks.   Rising from the floor or lying down is also difficult for her and she screams in pain. She requires help getting back up and transfering into and out of the car as well. The impact of injury seems to last for hours or days. This is new for her, for her mother, and it is an unfair condition for young Hanna given her start in life. 

Hanna's mother has worked 8 years part time as a volunteer for an animal cruelty rescue.  She has committed energy, heart and soul into rescuing animals from fear and suffering, providing them safety, recovery, wellness and forever families.  She has helped lost cats, dogs, rabbits reconnect with their families,  large animals and wildlife if a suffering animal is in her path. To be sure, she is a person of heart and integrity who is dedicated to caring for God's creatures.  She is asking now for your help.   

 Kristie met Hanna in great suffering; and even after all the unspeakable horrors she learned of doing cruelty work, she was appalled at the sight of Hanna's body.  Hanna's start to life 5 years ago was severely harsh. She was abused, held captive and nearly starved to death and abandoned.  When she was found emaciated in a ditch in Ridgeville, SC, surrounded by vultures, she was presumed dead. She was rescued and vetted and with transfusions, great ongoing care, and specialized foster care, much love and rest, she thrived!  https://www.facebook.com/Hope-For-Hanna-172124299593688/ 
Hanna went from 17 to 52 pounds and transformed into a family member! Hanna is a sweet  girl, energetic when she is well, she loves her furry family, and they love her. 

Hanna and her mother have worked tirelessly with behavioral trainers over 3 years to try to extinguish the fear and anxiety possibly related to being victimized in dog-fighting training, and to increase her confidence and security. She has come a very long way! Hanna is a survivor!  She  thrives and loves life!


Hanna is slowly learning to accommodate the GME limitations which causes pain related to movements and positions. She appears depressed and tired, lacks energy and  is anxious anticipating pain.  She seems to have headaches; at the first sign of this, she was seen as an emergency. (As a note here,  an cat or dog's head pressing is always considered an emergency!) She still seeks attention of her humans and dogs/ cats, wags her tail, asks for food, lies in the sun and goes for rides and short walks on good days.  She wants to be petted by visitors and neighbors and to be cuddled by her mother. That she is accepting comfort is a great sign. Her resilence has always seen her through.  Hanna's family and friends are very hopeful for the best possible recovery because  her spirit is so strong! 




Hanna will have the most comfortable and fulfilling life she can have through assistance her with her mobility,  the best vet care and living in a comfortable environment. Diagnostic tests, special equipment and medical treatment are costly and this is just the beginning stage. We immediately need to pay for exams,  X-rays,  MRI brain imaging and spinal tap.   She will follow-up with the neurologist Oct 18 and ongoing treatment planning will be established, based on her progress to date.  No plans have been made for ongoing payment. 



Hanna's mother has significant financial strain due to her own medical debt over 3 years, her own health condition preventing her from working until she fully recovers, which has been longer than anticipated.  Hanna's 2 cat siblings also had serious health conditions requiring $3,000+ of veterinary care over the past year. Kristie has always supported herself in her career as a licensed child and family therapist.  It's a difficult  position to reach out for help, and she is very grateful for your contribution. 

Hanna got a second chance at life when she was  rescued, rehabbed and re-homed, and now needs a third chance! Won't you be a part of that?  This happy,  bright and energetic  5 year old girl deserves to heal from this onset of GME, to live without pain. We hope you can help us get her close to that.  Please help Hanna get through this crucial phase, help meet the goal of $5000  to pay Hanna's medical bills and pay for treatment services needed at this time.  Any donation amount you can afford will surely help this cause.  Thank you so very much!