Help with emergency horse and dog vet bills.

**The Post You Pray You Never Have to Write**

Hi, my name is Shanell, and like so many who dedicate their lives to animals, I’ve always hoped I’d never find myself needing to write a post like this. You work hard. You pour your heart and soul into their care. You hope the world will be kind and that love, dedication, and diligence will be enough to carry you through. But the truth is—when you live closely with animals, you also live close to heartbreak.

This month, it hit all at once.

Earlier this month, our sweet horse Olaf suffered a twisted gut. We called the vet for emergency care, hoping for a miracle. But despite every effort, we were faced with the most devastating decision: to let him go and end his suffering. Just one week later, our vibrant two-year-old dog Finn suffered a complication causing him to need urgent care as well. A blur of emergency vet visits, X-rays, and tests followed. Thanks to the incredible team at Town and Country Small Animal Clinic, we’re so grateful to say that Finn is recovering—but the emotional and financial toll had just begun to pile up.

Then, just a few days ago, our treasured 7 year old mare Stormy, who we have raised from a baby came hobbling to the fence. My heart sank.

Upon inspection, we discovered she had torn off roughly a third of her front hoof. Another emergency call. Another wave of fear. Stormy was transported to the University of Illinois Veterinary Clinic, where she will undergo surgery on April 25th to determine if her hoof—and her future—could be saved.

These heartbreaks came on the heels of an already difficult year. About a year ago, I was in an auto accident when a van ran a red light that left me physically limited and temporarily halted my work as an equine bodyworker—a career that is both my passion and my horses livelihood. The injury crashed my finances and derailed the momentum of my growing business. Although I’ve been slowly recovering and doing what I can, I’m still not back to full capacity. The income I once relied on to support my animals and myself hasn’t yet returned in full force, despite my best efforts so this new sudden financial hemorrhage is unsustainable.

It’s been a storm I never saw coming. The grief of losing Olaf, the terror of the emergency with Finn, and now the uncertainty of Stormy’s recovery have brought me to my knees. Those who know me know one of my worst skills is asking for help, but emotionally, spiritually, and financially—this has been a trifecta and it’s more than I can shoulder. So I am setting down my pride and asking for help for them.

If you’re able to donate, share, or even offer a kind word, please know how deeply it is appreciated. Every bit of support helps us keep going—helps them keep going. Funds will be used to cover the emergency vet bills, most specifically the new and consistently growing treatment for Stormy, who we pray will be able to recover from this serious injury. These animals are my heart, my purpose, and my everything.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for seeing us. Thank you for caring.