Love for Willard

Willard is one of two dogs belonging to Sarah Mac & Darren O'Dell. Willard is the bestest boy. If you've ever had the pleasure of meeting him, you've been lucky enough to have been granted 1000 licks, a soundly barked hello, and a tail wag that scoots his butt across the floor with him.

Willard and his sister Gladys are the sweetest puppy pair. Willard is amazingly patient with his sister's antics. She climbs all over him, chews his ears, and is constantly forcing him from his favorite state of being- sitting on the couch by the window greeting everyone that passes by.

Tuesday of this week (1/3/22), Sarah came home from work and Willard wasn't able to use his back legs. Darren walked in the door just then, and they rushed him to the vet. After some tests, they were faced with really difficult news. Willard has a genetic disorder that has caused calcification to build up in his spine, causing immense pain and the inability to use his legs. Some of the calcification must have shifted to a place where it was problematic. Up until this point, he hadn't shown any signs of discomfort.

The vet kept him overnight to see if muscle relaxers would help, and by the next day, Willard no longer had feeling in his back paws. He had to have a very expensive emergency surgery. Sarah and Darren didn't hesitate. Thankfully, Willard came through the surgery.

Now comes what will be the hardest part. It is a wait-and-see situation to see if Willard will walk again. Currently, he doesn't have use of his back legs/bladder/etc. There is still a chance he will regain use of those parts, but it could take up to 6 months. He may need a wheelchair. He will start aqua therapy once his surgery site has healed. This will strengthen his spine and back, and hopefully his legs as well.

Of course, all of this is EXPENSIVE. The surgery and vet stay just this week were $6300+. Add to that the aqua therapy, potential wheelchair, ramps for him to get up/down, medications, diapers, etc. It's going to be a very long road for the O'Dell fam.

I know these are very loved humans, who have given a lot to their families, community, and friends. Many have been touched by Sarah's music. Please consider giving to help the O'Dell Family care for Willard.

(My name is Carissa, and I'm a friend of Willard's. I mean... Darren & Sarah's. They are ok, too. But really, I'm around for that tail wag.)