2 pups.1 Surgery,1 Funeral:Love&Grief during COV19

Fireworks, red, white, and blue, are the usual themes that come to mind when you think about the 4th of July.  The 4th of July is also a personal day of celebration for me as it marks my annual revolution around the sun, my birthday. I always approach this day with a sense of anxiety due to the trauma inducing impact of the fireworks on the emotional health of my dogs. My dogs are a loving part of our family, and their health and well-being are my responsibility. Every year I spend my birthday confined to the garage with my fur babies nearby to comfort them as the explosions crackle across Los Angeles. This year, the intensity of explosions caused Titi's heart to give out. Another dog, Oreo, had an anxiety attack and ran for cover, which resulted in serious injury to her mouth. 


Elmo "Titi", 13 years old,  will be cremated on Thursday, July 9th and Oreo, 5 years old, will undergo emergency surgery on Friday, July 10th. COVID-19 has presented new challenges to the ways we grieve and take care of each other during times of crisis. Due to social distancing, we cannot honor Elmo with a proper family gathering. We have opted to cremate him in biodegradable material so he may give back to his favorite tree. My family and I, like many of you, have experienced loss of income and any help would be greatly appreciated. Your support will help cover the cost of Elmo's funeral and Oreo's surgery as we try to make meaning of love and grief as a family during COVID-19. 

Blessings & Puppy Snuggles,
Mendoza Family