Peace of Heart for Luna

Luna was recently diagnosed with 2nd degree high grade AV block. Her heart is unable to keep up with the demand of her body. She is (was) the healthiest & most active 13 year old dog you'd ever meet. This kind of came out of nowhere after showing a low heart rate at the ER. (photos at the end) 

 

Her Story

Luna was found in the woods of Asheville beaten and malnourished early 2010. A very nice family had taken her in but after 8 months Luna and their dog were not working out very well together.

 

I was 21 at the time. I had just gotten suspended from college, was living alone, drinking heavily to combat my feelings of low self worth and not making very good life decisions. I've been obsessed with dogs since I can remember. The first dollar I ever made was when I started pet sitting at the age of 9. I absolutely loved it. I always knew I’d eventually get a dog and now felt like the time.

 

I found Luna (named Sookie from True Blood at the time) on craigslist while looking for german shepherd mixes. When I got to the family's home I was expecting to see a big manly looking dog, but instead a very timid head peaked around the corner & disappeared to bark from somewhere safe. After a few minutes of talking to the family Luna’s head appeared again. I got down on my knees and not only did Luna come straight up to me, she stood up and put her paws on my shoulders and gave me a few kisses. The mother instantly started crying because she said Luna had NEVER approached anyone at the house in the 8 months they had her. Every time I think about that moment I get emotional because had she not I don’t think I'd have taken her. Needless to say, she became my dog that day.

 

The first month was tough. She obviously had trust issues as she hid in a corner and didn’t let me pet her. It took a little over a week to get her to eat her food. I found out she was petrified of feet so I believe she used to be kicked. Every day for 3 months I would leash train her. We visited the dog park 2x a day. I did everything I could to get her to trust others and be more comfortable in her surroundings. It really tested my patience and commitment and led me to walk a better path for both of us.

 

She slowly started to trust again. It was a beautiful experience to be a part of. There were two times I could not keep Luna due to living/work situations and I even posted her for adoption at one point. That tore me up. But three very incredible souls (forever grateful for Jodi, Andy & Logan) took Luna in for months at a time until I got back on my feet. We’ve never been apart since.

 

Luna loves to be free. We aren't fans of leashes. Camping, hiking, swimming, sunbathing… she’s the definition of an adventure dog and luckily I’ve been able to provide that lifestyle for her. Unfortunately now with her heart we can no longer do her favorite things. Even at 13 she has so much energy and the meds she’s on keep her, and myself, anxious. I know when Saturday rolls around she’s going to be expecting to go to the lake as we do every weekend.  It’ll break my heart to tell her no :(

 

This dog has saved me in ways I can not explain. I've spent my entire adult life with her by my side. There is nothing like her pure unconditional love and energy. I always tell people she keeps me young lol. She is the equivalent to my child and I just want her to be as comfortable as possible while she’s still with us.

 

Our situation

As of right now we are on some meds to keep her heart going. She's doing fairly well with them but her heart could still stop at any moment. Every time I come home I pray it hasn't. Luckily I have gotten a new role within my company that will enable me to work semi remote. It would be ideal to move into this role before surgery as the recovery is a month long process. 

 

I am not one to ask for help. I much prefer to be the helper. But a few wonderful people have reached out wanting to donate. Given I have been donating more to causes and people I care about these last couple years I decided we’d give this a go.

 

 

The Goal

I’ve put a goal of $6000 for the cost of the pacemaker. Funds raised will be used to pay the recent & upcoming vet bills and the remainder will go towards the pacemaker. In the spirit of giving back, anything over will be donated to the local nonprofit Carolina Big Hearts Big Barks Rescue. https://www.bigheartsbigbarks.com/

 

This is definitely out of my comfort zone but even if you took the time to read this I want to say thank you. So much.

 

Nothing but love & gratitude,

& hopefully a couple more years with my baby

 

<3 Luna & Dustin <3