Nemo's Surgery and Treatment

I know a lot of you know of our story but, for those that don't, here we go...

 

Nemo was abandoned and unloved as a puppy for the first year and a half of his life in the Chicago area. He was found and surrendered to Raven's Husky Haven and Resort in Sycamore, IL where he spent a year of his life because he was very vocal about his boundaries and what he was and was not comfortable with due to his lack of human love and affection as a puppy. Most families don't want a husky or animal that shows any sign of aggression because of potential repercussions with their children or other animals. Due to this, Nemo was often overlooked. Nemo had a great life at RHHR and they did such an amazing job giving him love and attention to someday provide him with his forever home and for that I thank you RHHR.

 

In fall of 2015, I was diagnosed with Panic Disorder and PTSD from my service in the Army. I was living a life that that I couldn't live much longer because I did not know how to cope with my new symptoms/diagnosis. I was afraid to leave the house; I dropped out of college; I was so embarrassed and didn't know how to live my life like a "normal" person; I had those thoughts that no one ever wants to talk about... always there; always lingering; I told myself I couldn't live like this any longer and I finally decided I needed something to take care of because I couldn't take care of myself. I told myself I was going to rescue an animal, a dog and my therapist 100% agreed.

 

I went online and I began searching for an animal that I could take care of and love and bring joy into it's life. That's when I stumbled across RHHR's page and found Nemo. I read through a few of the other huskies bios but Nemo's was the only one that stuck out to me and resonated within my heart. I knew he was the one to bring hope and joy back into my life and I knew from the bottom of my heart that I could do the same for him. I submitted my application and the process is history after that.

 

Within the month, I was driving from eastern Michigan to Sycamore Illinois. A seven hour drive I will never forget. A seven hour drive that changed my life.... Saved my life.

 

I sat in the meeting room at RHHR and the moment Nemo entered the room he ran straight for me, sniffed me cautiously, and then immediately pressed his body against my legs and allowed me to give him all of the love.

 

From that moment, we've been inseparable and beyond happy ever since.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He's my best friend and he saved my life. That's why when I found out on September 16th, 2021 at 1808 that Nemo had cancer I felt like my whole world was ending. I broke down and my world stopped. I heard the vet on the phone talking but I wasn't processing anything he was saying except for "Cancer" "Amputation" "Metastases" over and over and over on repeat in my head.

 

Nemo was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma in his right front leg on his dewclaw. Soft tissue sarcomas are known to have tentacles that invade surrounding tissue. At the time before the surgery consult, I was in fear that we would have to remove Nemo's whole leg due to the lack of tissue with a canines anatomy on the foot. However, after today, the surgeon reassured me that he is confident that he can remove the tumor and his dewclaw safely while preserving surrounding tissue and keeping his leg in tact.

 

Honestly, the best news I've heard in a hot minute.

 

As a broke college student, in Nursing School, I'm asking for help to pay for his surgery cost and treatment. I know some of you out there have a huge attachment to Nemo and I know we will both be forever grateful for any assistance you can provide.

 

From the bottom of my heart and from Nemo's goofy growls and kisses... we thank you for your support! <3


Amount of fundraiser includes estimated surgery tx / follow up appointments / wound care