Help Bring Zula Home

Zula is a beautiful 3-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback.  Her original owner unfortunately lost his home from the flood associated with Hurricane Harvey in Texas in August.  She has been spending the time with her foster mom in Katy, Texas in the meantime.  The time came to find a new owner and a forever home for Miss Zula.  My boyfriend Nate and I chose to rescue this beautiful girl shortly after moving into our new home with a large backyard.  We had the plans and supplies to bring Zula from Houston to Minneapolis.  Upon arriving to the airport after a long day of travel, Nate brought Zula outside to go to the bathroom while still at the airport.  Unfortunately, the collar she was wearing was too loose.  She was able to slip her head out of the collar and took off down the freeway.  As I was finishing the paperwork from her trip at the counter I saw her running from the window. After a terrifying and exhausting 45 minutes on foot, Nate was able to find her.  She was laying injured in a median between some bushes on the side of the freeway by the airport.  We had the help of witnesses in vehicles, police, and airport staff. We are still unsure what exactly happened during this scary amount of time, but the veterinarians believe she was in fact hit by a vehicle.  We brought her to Affiliated Emergency Vet Services and Blue Pearl in Eden Prairie immediately.  A large amount of fluid was found in her abdominal cavity and the sources were two large tears in her bladder.  She required surgery in order for her to survive.  Along with surgery she spent five days and four nights at this facility.  The surgeons were able to successfully repair her bladder rupture and ultimately save her life.  The cost of all of this unfortunately added up, and it added up fast.  There was no way we were able to give up on this sweet girl after all the trauma she has been through these past few months.  She has been through a natural disaster, losing her home and original family, traveled across the country, and the getting injured on the freeway. We are reaching out to friends, family, and all dog lovers to help us out during this tough time.  Any help is truly appreciated, even the smallest amount.  We would like to thank everyone who has already helped us with this journey, and to those who continue to help.  Zula has a long road to recovery and we appreciate all the kind love, thoughts, and prayers we have received.  Thank you. Love Zula, Abbey, and Nate