Hazel's Heart Needs Help

Story

Hi, my name is Jenna and I'm fundraising to help my Universe dog, Hazel.   Hazel needs a pacemaker to help her heart beat correctly. The heart condition she's developed, a 3rd degree AV block, means her heart isn't beating right and sometimes stops. It takes so long for her heart's back-up system to kick in that she faints and collapses, and sometimes this happens several times a day or night. Unfortunately, it's rare for this condition to resolve on its own and also runs the risk of her back-up system not activating.   The specialist says she has an otherwise good, strong heart making her an excellent candidate for this procedure. It's been a long, costly road to get this far, but any money collected here will go specifically toward Hazel's pacemaker.   I am humbled to ask for help and grateful for any offered. You're welcome to continue reading the story of Hazel, but just know we appreciate you taking the time to read this far and any good thoughts you can send her way!   The Story of Hazel For two years I had been waiting and wishing for the Universe to plant the right dog in my path. During a field day in the California Naturalist program, my class of thirty met at a nature preserve and saw a tan dog sitting on the hillside. She followed us around the whole day, protecting and 'herding' us as we split off into pairs. Several people said they'd take her home, but as the day ended there were only four of us remaining...and the dog. She had followed each car from the parking lot to the road and returned to the dwindling crowd of humans. A classmate said, "Hey, you mentioned wanting a dog. Why don't you take her home?" I hesitated, and the classmate opened my passenger door, picked up this tan dog, put her in the front seat and closed the door. I attempted to find the owners and advertised the dog on various sites; I even surrendered her to the shelter in case she was being looked for. No one claimed her. The first evaluation for adoption determined she was 'too timid' and marked her for euthanization. Horrified, I insisted I would adopt her back, but they said she needed to pass evalution--which she did on her second chance.   Still contemplating the responsibility it takes to adopt a dog, I met her at the shelter a second time. Unsure what I'd name her, I'd thought the night before about the name I liked if I ever had a little girl: Hazel. We walked around the play yard, and I said to the attendant, "I was hoping you would have named her so I wouldn't have to decide!" The attendant replied, "We haven't yet, but my co-worker thought 'Hazel' was a good name."   Well, it was a sign hard to ignore; I signed the adoption paperwork and picked up Hazel a week later after her spay surgery.   Fast forward through almost five years together, Hazel has taught me classic lessons the way our furry companions often do. Lessons in loyalty, love, fun, and adventure. This procedure is big. It's scary and unforeseen. It challenges who I thought I was and who I am. But I think back to how long I wanted and waited for the right dog. I think about all that Hazel has added to my life and that I am responsible for her care. I'm doing what I can, but I know many of you have met Hazel and know how special she is. If you feel like you can help at all, we send many barks and all the love and gratitude our hearts can hold.As my dear friend Abby said, Hazel is lucky to have me as a pet parent. I feel equally lucky to have her as a best furiend.   The biggest, barkiest thanks --Jenna and Hazel