Isabella 'Belly Button' Nan

Our sweet Bella, a 12 year old, fox red labrador would like your help. Yesterday, Oct 18th, she was napping upstairs and then she got up and started turning in circles and stumbling.  She was confused, anxious and kept falling over. She had no control of her left legs and her head was turning to the right. Everytime we helped her up and get her to walk, she could only walk in circles and could not straighten her head to face forward. We took her to the emergency vet clinic and were told that she may have had a stroke, may have a blood clot, or a bulging vertebral disk in her neck. Which ever one, it is restricting her ability to walk and she's horribly anxious, whining like she is in pain, constantly panting, and not able to sleep. We also realized that she lost the sight in her left eye. The good news is she is able to eat, which she loves to do and drink water. These two actions confirm that she is healthy and wants to stay with use. We have to put two towels under her to get her outside to pee and poop. We have her on an oxycodone to her help her relax and sleep. She must go to see a neurologist specialist for a MRI to determine the true cause of her ailment by Monday morning. We are told whichever, she will need a surgery to repair or correct the diagnosis.  As you might imagine, this will be an expensive endeavor. We are told to expect a cost of $7,000 - $9,000 for the diagnostic work and another $5,000 for her surgery and recovery.  Alisa or I have to be with her 24-7. We have to sleep with her at night to monitor her. This is an expense that is far beyond or financial abilities. We are praying that you consider helping her overcome this illness. She may be 12 years old, but has never lack for energy, love, or playfulness.  She personally has been my therapy animal during my days of severe depression, and deserves to be with us for many more years. Her vet calls her a phenomenal athlete and healthier than any 12 year old lab he has ever seen. We need to raise at least $12,500 for her treatment and recovery. If by chance the cost is less, we will donate any excess to local animal shelters and to an animal rescue association.  Please consider helping Bella with your donation so she can share her gifts with use and all her friends. Thank you for reading Bella's story and make a donation to help her to play and share her gifts for many years to come. Tom, Alisa, Sam, Grace, Annie Bell (her 15+ year old lab sister), and Oakley (her loving cat brother).