On Friday the 13th Moose, our beloved Livestock guardian dog, was hit by a car on Highway 19E. Triggered by gunshots nearby,he broke out of the fence, panicked and ran towards the highway. I came home in time to find him surrounded by kind folks in the median holding him safe. I immediately rushed him to the ER in Asheville. His vitals were good but an ultrasound showed blood in his abdomen and contusions on his lungs. Eventually,fluid built up around his lungs and heart.He had labored breathing and a heart arrhythmia. Miraculously, X-rays showed no broken bones! We went home after the initial visit but came back as his breathing worsened and his heart rate was up to 180. He then spent a night in the ER on supportive care. Altogether $5,000 was spent on emergency care-a cost we simply cannot afford.

Yet Moose is our pack leader on the homestead. He is a gentle giant rescued from the local shelter. He was found on a chain when his owners abandoned him.Now he protects his goats and loves everyone he meets. Moose deserves another chance at a good life!

He may need more treatments like oxygen therapy and different meds to help his damaged heart and lungs through this. Many prayers have helped him get this far.

We recognize this is a hard time for all, coming on the heels of a series of tragedies, including Helene's devastation and a lack of support from Fema. My ability to cover these unforeseen expenses has been impacted by my medical issues due to injuries from the storm and an autoimmune disease. While we still struggle to recover and rebuild, this latest tragedy with Moose comes at a deeply troubling financial time for us.

We are grateful for the marvel of his recovery and hope to receive support from anyone who is able. Please share with your peeps so Moose can continue to recover at his home in the magical mountains of WNC.

With Gratitude,

Stephanie