Laika's Recovery Fund
Donation protected
Welcome!
We’re a couple in Los Angeles with two dogs, Laika and Sophie.
If you’re reading this, you’re likely one of our dear friends, or family, or both. If not, we're glad you found your way to us.
Laika chasing after his sister, Sophie.
In September of last year, we found ourselves amid a number of significant life changes, one of which was a stressful and chaotic move. During that move, the unthinkable happened and our 9-month old puppy escaped from our home and through the open front gate.
Laika spent the subsequent evening doing the only surefire thing that had consistently brought our shy, skittish puppy out of his shell: running as fast as his legs could carry him. As we searched desperately through the night, Laika ran over 2.5 miles through an unfamiliar neighborhood, ultimately ending up on the 5 freeway in an attempt to return to our old home.
A night that could have ended in tragedy brought us a miracle the next morning. Two women found Laika alive but badly injured on the side of the freeway after someone else had hit him and driven off. The pair selflessly pulled over and took him to the nearest animal hospital where we were reunited with him.
We were — we are — grateful beyond words to have Laika back. However, he’s come back to us paralyzed from the waist down.
Laika the day after his spinal surgery
Every day has brought its own overwhelming combination of frustration, despair, joy, surprise, and victories. However, the storm of the past year would have been impossible to weather without the heartening support and generosity of spirit of the people in our lives. That support is what inspired us to start this GoFundMe campaign.
The contributions we receive will go toward supporting the unanticipated and overwhelming amount we’ve already contributed to Laika’s care and rehabilitation. Furthermore, it will allow us to continue giving Laika the short and longterm care he needs.
Laika’s Story
Laika was born in China where he was rescued from the Asian dog meat trade by a wonderful organization called Animal Hope and Wellness . (Please consider adopting one of the awesome dogs that AHW has rescued from this horrific industry.)
We met Laika at AHW’s Sherman Oaks shelter where we both fell in instant, albeit yet unrequited love. During the time when he lived with us in our old home, we learned that he is a sweet, kind, and gentle puppy who needed a little bit of space and a lot of love before he could feel comfortable.
Laika on his new bed during his first week at home
However, it wasn’t until we first saw Laika run that we truly witnessed the brightness of his spirit. Nothing (neither treats, nor food, nor toys) made Laika happy in the way that running wildly down the streets of our neighborhood during his walks did. This of course is the particular tragedy of his accident and why we want to do everything in our power to give him a life in which he can someday experience that same joy again.
Laika doing what he loved most: running!
How Your Contributions Will Help
Laika spent the weeks following his accident in and out of hospitals. He underwent multiple procedures, not the least of which was an invasive spinal surgery which required weeks of intensive recovery.
On the day of Laika’s surgery, he did not receive the level of care he required. We were shocked and outraged to uncover the truth, that we were being lied to and taken advantage of. We decided then to take legal action against those responsible for taking away any chance Laika ever had at a full recovery.
Because of this, his recovery is ongoing. His dads have received a crash course in infant care, since, as a result of the accident, Laika is now incontinent and needs to be changed at least 3 times a day. Our diaper/baby wipe budget has gone from $0 to…well…a lot.
We built him his very first wheelchair and eventually, with the help from all of you, got him a proper wheelchair from eddieswheels.com. With the assistance of the awesome physical therapists at VCA West, Laika has finally been able to start getting to know his new neighborhood.
Please know that your love and support is more than enough. However, if you have the means and desire to help, here are some of the things your generosity will help provide for Laika:
• diapers
• baby wipes
• pee pads
• medication
• vet followups
• physical therapy
• acupuncture
• repairs/adjustments to Laika's wheelchair as he grows
• walking aids (harnesses, booties, etc.)
• doggy ramp
• legal fees and expenses, which any potential subsequent earnings will go directly toward Laika's continued recovery
Laika in his wheelchair
Please feel free to share this link. With luck, hard work, and the loving kindness of his family and friends, we hope that Laika can live a full and happy life.
We’re a couple in Los Angeles with two dogs, Laika and Sophie.
If you’re reading this, you’re likely one of our dear friends, or family, or both. If not, we're glad you found your way to us.
Laika chasing after his sister, Sophie.
In September of last year, we found ourselves amid a number of significant life changes, one of which was a stressful and chaotic move. During that move, the unthinkable happened and our 9-month old puppy escaped from our home and through the open front gate.
Laika spent the subsequent evening doing the only surefire thing that had consistently brought our shy, skittish puppy out of his shell: running as fast as his legs could carry him. As we searched desperately through the night, Laika ran over 2.5 miles through an unfamiliar neighborhood, ultimately ending up on the 5 freeway in an attempt to return to our old home.
A night that could have ended in tragedy brought us a miracle the next morning. Two women found Laika alive but badly injured on the side of the freeway after someone else had hit him and driven off. The pair selflessly pulled over and took him to the nearest animal hospital where we were reunited with him.
We were — we are — grateful beyond words to have Laika back. However, he’s come back to us paralyzed from the waist down.
Laika the day after his spinal surgeryEvery day has brought its own overwhelming combination of frustration, despair, joy, surprise, and victories. However, the storm of the past year would have been impossible to weather without the heartening support and generosity of spirit of the people in our lives. That support is what inspired us to start this GoFundMe campaign.
The contributions we receive will go toward supporting the unanticipated and overwhelming amount we’ve already contributed to Laika’s care and rehabilitation. Furthermore, it will allow us to continue giving Laika the short and longterm care he needs.
Laika’s Story
Laika was born in China where he was rescued from the Asian dog meat trade by a wonderful organization called Animal Hope and Wellness . (Please consider adopting one of the awesome dogs that AHW has rescued from this horrific industry.)
We met Laika at AHW’s Sherman Oaks shelter where we both fell in instant, albeit yet unrequited love. During the time when he lived with us in our old home, we learned that he is a sweet, kind, and gentle puppy who needed a little bit of space and a lot of love before he could feel comfortable.
Laika on his new bed during his first week at homeHowever, it wasn’t until we first saw Laika run that we truly witnessed the brightness of his spirit. Nothing (neither treats, nor food, nor toys) made Laika happy in the way that running wildly down the streets of our neighborhood during his walks did. This of course is the particular tragedy of his accident and why we want to do everything in our power to give him a life in which he can someday experience that same joy again.
Laika doing what he loved most: running!
How Your Contributions Will Help
Laika spent the weeks following his accident in and out of hospitals. He underwent multiple procedures, not the least of which was an invasive spinal surgery which required weeks of intensive recovery.
On the day of Laika’s surgery, he did not receive the level of care he required. We were shocked and outraged to uncover the truth, that we were being lied to and taken advantage of. We decided then to take legal action against those responsible for taking away any chance Laika ever had at a full recovery.
Because of this, his recovery is ongoing. His dads have received a crash course in infant care, since, as a result of the accident, Laika is now incontinent and needs to be changed at least 3 times a day. Our diaper/baby wipe budget has gone from $0 to…well…a lot.
We built him his very first wheelchair and eventually, with the help from all of you, got him a proper wheelchair from eddieswheels.com. With the assistance of the awesome physical therapists at VCA West, Laika has finally been able to start getting to know his new neighborhood.
Please know that your love and support is more than enough. However, if you have the means and desire to help, here are some of the things your generosity will help provide for Laika:
• diapers
• baby wipes
• pee pads
• medication
• vet followups
• physical therapy
• acupuncture
• repairs/adjustments to Laika's wheelchair as he grows
• walking aids (harnesses, booties, etc.)
• doggy ramp
• legal fees and expenses, which any potential subsequent earnings will go directly toward Laika's continued recovery
Laika in his wheelchairPlease feel free to share this link. With luck, hard work, and the loving kindness of his family and friends, we hope that Laika can live a full and happy life.
Organizer
Derrick Abrenica
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
