Many of you have asked how you can help Keela, my Siberian Husky mix, who loves to sing, loves people, and loves life more than any being I've ever known. In early December I rushed her to the emergency vet clinic because she was lethargic (very unusual for her) and had a fever of 104.5. They examined her and thought they felt a mass in her abdomen. An ultrasound confirmed a mass somewhere in her intestines. They suspected she was running a high fever because this mass had ruptured and was causing peritonitis. They put her on IV fluids and antibiotics. After running more tests the next day, we decided to move her to a larger veterinary hospital where a board certified surgeon could remove the mass from her cecum, the pouch between the small intestine and the large intestine. Keela did great with this surgery. Here she is the two days later, still in the hospital, but looking surprisingly alert!

Everything looked promising and she was scheduled to be discharged 4 days after surgery. But then her liver values started skyrocketing, indicating a problem with her gall bladder. Long story short, we decided we had to put her through a second major abdominal surgery to remove her gall bladder before it ruptured. This decision was not made lightly, nor was it made simply from a sentimental attachment to Keela, my best friend. Her vital signs were all very strong. At no time did any of her doctors suggest euthanasia. The surgery was absolutely necessary because this vibrant creature would not have lived otherwise. Keela was in the hospital a total of 11 nail-biting days. Needless to say, I didn't sleep much. During this time I got a tremendous amount of encouragement from many people.

At long last, they finally discharged her! She lost 10 lbs during her hospital stay, but miraculously she never lost her zest for life. Here she is at home after her second surgery, sporting her "Siberian-Poodle Cut", the latest in doggie fashion! She has a journey ahead to reach full recovery, but she's definitely on that road now!

Many of you have asked how you can help, and boy do we need it! Two major abdominal surgeries and an 11 day hospital stay really added up. The cost so far is just over $29,000. We really appreciate any amount you can donate.

*Special thanks to those of you who have already helped with expenses.* We are forever grateful!