Meadow the guardian and therapy dog

Hi Everyone,

Our beloved guardian and therapy dog Meadow has been dealing with a recurring infection, and needs to have a surgery by a specialist to give her a chance to live. Since September, she has had to go to the vet multiple times. Recently while flushing and exploring the infection, the vet did find an embedded grass seed, and we believed this to be the cause of the recurring infections. Sadly, two months later she developed another infection in the same location. The vet gave us some background on why grass seeds, or fox tails, can be so detrimental to a dog’s health, and how this issue actually ends the lives of many dogs even though they seem fine. This can never heal on its own, and the vet made it clear that she cannot humanely live with this issue if we cannot resolve it.

The surgeon believes that the best chance for Meadow is to do exploratory surgery at the infection site and also to remove the entire anal gland and any affected tissue. The hope is that the piece of seed will come out along with everything else with the removal of the anal gland. This is a specialized surgery, and has risks. It is also not guaranteed to succeed, as there is no way to know exactly where the seed piece is. We believe that the odds are good though, and that this is the best chance Meadow will have. She is so young and has so many years left in her as a therapy dog and a guardian dog for our sanctuary animals.

Meadow’s story on our sanctuary started out because coyotes, raccoons, and cougars were actively killing and terrorizing our furry and feathered friends. Meadow and her partner Aspen came to the farm to patrol the farm perimeter, and the predator issues are gone now. They live with their goats and sheep, and they cut off access so that the predators cannot come deeper into the farm.

When Meadow and Aspen first came, we didn’t think these two dogs were going to be such lovers and so accepting of visitors to their pasture. Meadow showed us early on that she was way more than a guardian dog. She wanted to be around people and she loved kids the most! We never expected to integrate her into our therapy program, but then one time we did try bringing therapy clients to the dog pasture. It went so well for everybody, that it became a weekly occurrence. Meadow gives unconditional love and affection, and she forgives the unpredictability that kids can bring into the space, always staying close. Meadow is the ultimate buddy for the kids, following them, cuddling with them, dancing, giving handshakes and going on adventures through the forests and the fields.

Please look at the pictures and see what a wonderful soulful girl she is. Meadow is so vibrant and lively. She is an amazing partner to Aspen. They have always been together and their work together is incredibly harmonious. Any person who has met Meadow knows how loving, sweet and connected she is. She is an absolute ham and she will trip you for belly rubs if you don’t watch out! When I look in her deep brown eyes, she tells me that she has so many years left to live, and so many more cuddles to give. Thank you for reading. If you’d like to make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraiser, I thank you. Her surgery costs are way more than ever expected, but we are glad that she will be cared for by an experienced specialist. Meadow needs positive energy, prayers, love, thoughts, everything. Please send positivity her way, and let’s hope for a full recovery and many more years for Meadow as a guardian dog, a therapy dog, and our sweet baby girl.