Help Gabi Heal: Support Eric and Max

Help Gabi Heal and Stay with Eric and Max

Hi friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers,

I’m reaching out to ask for your support for Gabi, a 5-year-old Siberian Husky who recently found a home with my son Max and my ex-husband Eric, a disabled combat veteran who served multiple tours overseas during 9/11 and suffers from PTSD and depression. After facing loneliness and struggling with avoiding unhealthy choices, Eric decided to adopt Gabi on December 14th, 2024 to bring more positivity and love into his life. Gabi’s love for the outdoors, especially winter activities, made her a perfect fit for Eric and Max.

Eric has always loved skiing, hiking, and other activities in the winter, and he dreamed of having Gabi by his side for these adventures. Her energy and natural love for the cold seemed like the perfect match for Eric’s active lifestyle. Gabi quickly became a beloved companion, bringing joy and a renewed sense of purpose to Eric.

Sadly, just a few weeks later, on December 29th, tragedy struck. Max was preparing to take Gabi for a walk and had her on a leash in the garage. But as the garage door opened, Gabi bolted with incredible speed, and the leash slipped from Max’s hands. Gabi, who was accustomed to life on a farm with open spaces, ran off into the cold winter day.

Eric immediately sprang into action, contacting local authorities, posting on social media, and even hiring a local dog expert who specializes in catching lost animals. Together, they prepared scent trails to attract Gabi to a trail camera and set up a professional live trap to safely bring her home. Despite these efforts, things took a devastating turn.

On New Year’s Day, Eric received a call from a local farmer who had spotted Gabi and was pursuing her with a side-by-side UTV. The farmer mentioned that Gabi was running very fast and said he was trying to “wear her out.” Tragically, when Eric arrived at the scene, Gabi was found underneath the UTV. We suspect she was accidentally hit during the chase. Despite her injuries, Gabi limped over to Eric, trusting him to get her the help she desperately needed.

It was a heartbreaking moment, especially because they believe they would have caught Gabi safely using the professional live trap. Now, Gabi’s medical care is urgent.

A veterinarian confirmed that Gabi has two dislocated hips. The current bills, which already exceed $3,500, cover a closed reduction procedure to attempt to fix her injuries. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee this procedure will work. If it fails, Gabi will need hip surgery, which will significantly increase the costs and extend her recovery time.

For Eric, or anyone, especially after Christmas, these medical expenses are overwhelming. Gabi has become a vital source of companionship and healing for Eric, and she’s a cherished companion for Max. Helping Gabi recover is not only about saving a dog’s life but also about supporting a family that has already endured so much.

We’re asking for your help to cover Gabi’s medical expenses. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference in helping Gabi heal and stay with the people who love her.

Thank you for taking the time to read this story. Please consider donating or sharing this campaign to help Gabi get back on her feet—and back to enjoying outdoor adventures with Eric and Max.

With gratitude,

Erica