Save Keeley: A brave pup's battle

Matthew Beezley is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Hi, all,

Firstly, thank you so much for taking the time to read Keeley's story. It means the world to us and, while we wish it were under better circumstances, we're grateful to be able to share why Keeley is such a special dog to us—and why we have to save her.

Words people have used these last few days to describe our 2-year-old puppy Keeley as she fights for her life after major surgery: sweet, stoic, adorable, strong, brave.

That's been our experience as well in the year and half we've known her.

More than anything—yes, even more than belly rubs, food and being chased by her big sister at the park—Keeley loves to help. We often find her trying to help us fold laundry, clean, put away groceries, do the dishes or some other task around the house that she just as easily could've napped through. She's a playful, loving and kind dog, and we've been blessed to have her join our little family after her previous owner left her in a box on the side of a road in Texas.

Which is why it's our turn to help her.

A few days ago, Keeley underwent major surgery to remove a linear foreign object in her small intestine. What was anticipated to be a relatively simple procedure to remove the object instead evolved into one that required the removal of more than six inches of her small intestine as well as several other incisions on her stomach and other organs.

The surgery went well, but as with any procedure involving the digestive tract, her doctors are concerned about sepsis and other life-threatening complications. We put Keeley in an overnight hospital the day after her surgery and were able to take her home a day later to snuggle and monitor her.

Since then, however, she has shown side effects that have required us to check her back into an emergency facility to receive IV antibiotics, fluids and frequent ultrasounds to monitor for leaking and other complications that may require further surgery and care.

The cost of Keeley's emergency care has skyrocketed and we have exhausted most of our savings over the past week so her doctors could conduct tests, perform surgery and keep her in the hospital where she can be closely monitored, medicated and cared for.

The simple fact is we refuse to give up on her because she wouldn't give up on us. She's not even 2 years old and doesn't deserve the pain she's had to endure these past few days. We want our Keeley-Girl back and are willing to fight for her as she's fighting for herself. We don't want to be the reason Keeley is denied the care she needs to get through this and live a long and happy life full of treats, belly rubs and hikes into the Blue Ridge Mountains.

That's why we're humbly asking for your donation. Anything, even a few dollars, will help us continue to provide the best possible care for Keeley-Girl.

We will continue to post updates on her status as we learn more. In the meantime, we are so grateful for your support, thoughts and prayers for Keeley and for our family.

Most sincerely,

Melissa, Matt, Keeley-Girl and Lanie-Bear