Hi! My name is April, and I have created this Go Fund Me for a family that is near and dear to me: The Spagnuolo's. I am seeking financial assistance for them due to unexpected vet bills after rescuing a puppy that had an obstruction that wasn't reviled to them. This family drops everything they are doing to help anyone in need. They have helped me and Aiden countless times over the past few years. They worked in their community of Barnardsville, NC, after Hurricane Helene hit, even after suffering the loss of all 4 of their vehicles, severe roof damage and property damage just prior to the Hurricane due to a hell storm. Now it is our turn to help them, even when they do not want to ask for it. Below is the story of sweet Mabel.

*Please read until the end. I tried to shorten the story as best as I could, but the details are important. If you prefer to skim the details, please know this fundraiser is to help with the vet bills of a 5-month-old Golden Retriever, Mabel, that a 20-year-old, Madeline, rescued this week not knowing Mabel had previously swallowed a package and needed emergency surgery. Madeline is a full-time college student pursuing nursing at AB-Tech, while working 2 part time jobs. Please donate if you are able to help with the $8,000 vet bills that is still increasing as Madeline had to take out loans to cover them.*

After losing their family dog, Rue, on October 5, 2024, a week after Hurricane Helene due to kidney failure from a genetic disorder at the young age of 1 years old, the family and their older Golden Louise just haven't been the same. Rue loved everyone she met, and you would have never guessed she was sick and endured lots of vet appointments, IV fluids, and treatments herself. Four months after Rue crossed the rainbow bridge, the Spagnuolo family was asked if they would be willing to take in a 5-month-old Golden Retriever that needed a home.

On February 2nd, Sarah (the mother) and Madeline (20-year-old daughter), went to meet Mabel and the rest is history. Madeline and Mabel connected immediately, and Madeline wanted to rescue the 5-month-old retriever that came malnourished and confined to a cage for 12+ hours/day. When Mabel met the rest of the Spagnuolo crew: Ben (dad), Jack (17y), Miles (10y) and their older Golden Louise, the family instantly fell in love just as Sarah and Madeline did. Their older Golden Louise had her youthfulness spunk restored with Mabel.

Within 12 hours, Madeline went shopping to get Mabel proper dog food, toys, and Spot insurance, especially with the history of their previous dog with kidney disease. This insurance does not kick in until the end of February. Within 24 hours of having Mabel, she began vomiting and having diarrhea. At first, the family felt like maybe it was nerves having a new place, running everywhere in their fenced in property and maybe over doing it. Madeline awoke in the middle of the night with Mabel vomiting and pacing the room because she couldn't get comfortable. Even though Mabel's well check @ Broad River Animal Hospital wasn't for another week, they were able to bring Mabel in immediately that morning for x-rays and labs.

Broad River Animal Hospital immediately told Madeline to take Mabel to the South Asheville Veterinarian Emergency Specialty (SAVES) 45 minutes away. During this time, their vet reached out to Charlotte Street Vet because they learned that Mabel's previous owner took her to the vet the week prior for swallowing a pair of panties and had a blockage. This information wasn't reviled from the previous owner.

Once they arrived to SAVES, they were ready and took Mabel back immediately to do another Ultrasound and workup. It was quickly reviled that Mabel had a blockage that was now in the small intestine. They were given two options: give fluids overnight and hope Mabel doesn't perforate because they would have to call in the vet for emergency surgery, if they could save her at that point, or perform emergency surgery right then.

With the family financials being strained with Ben and Sarah being out of work for a month during Helene, the previous hell storm totaling all of their vehicles and roof, plus Sarah had to have surgery in December, they had no idea how they were going to pay for it. SAVES required a $5,000 deposit prior to proceeding with surgery, with the quote being $8,000- $10,000 after all the work up, catching Mabel up on vaccines, surgery and recovery. Madeline is a full-time student at AB-Tech, as well as works two part time jobs. Madeline immediately took action. Madeline has been saving for her 21st birthday trip (which Madeline was happy to cancel and focus on Mabel's needs) to Vegas and had $1,000 in cash saved up already that she went and grabbed. On the way back to SAVES, she stopped by SECU and got a $5,000 line of credit. Mabel was able to receive her life saving surgery!

Mabel surgery went well! They did remove some lingerie that was still in the packaging from Mabel's stomach, which was seen prior to Madeline getting Mabel. SAVES was wonderful and provided frequent updates overnight that included lots of pics of Mabel. The staff fell in love with Mabel too. The next day Madeline and Sarah went to visit with Mabel, and they were able to take her home.

The following morning (today) Mabel started vomiting again and was acting somewhat lethargic. Madeline rushed Mabel back to SAVES. After another work up, Mabel has several electrolytes out of range with an increased white blood count. SAVES is administering IV fluids and starting antibiotics. SAV ES stated that with Mabel being malnourished prior to surgery, that it will take a little longer for her to recover. With vet bills continuing to increase, including follow-up appointments at her vet, I would love to be able to take some of the hardship off Madeline, and her family. Pet insurance will kick in at the end of this month.

If you are able to donate, any amount will help with the vet bills that are increasing. It is clear Mabel was rescued by the right family, and it was meant to be because they will do everything they can for their 4-legged family members too. Mabel may not be here now if Madeline and her family didn't rescue her when they did. Times are hard for many in our area, so even if you cannot financially help, please share this page.

I will post updates on Mabel as I get them! Thank you all!