Saving Sweet Ava

My dear friend, Chelsey Hayden, is one of the sweetest people I know. She’s the type of person that makes everyone around her feel seen and supported. She’s kind, caring, and incredibly generous. She’s the director of a local animal rescue and a pro at caring for the tiniest, most fragile kittens! She gives absolutely everything to the animals who need her. And now it’s our turn to be there for her - as her own dog, Ava, really needs our help.

Ava was recently taken to the vet after peeing large amounts of blood. It was discovered she had incredibly large (17-20mm) bladder stones. She was treated with antibiotics, anti inflammatory meds, and a full diet change with the hopes that these stones would shrink to a point that they could either be passed or flushed.

Fast forward to her follow up today, her stones have not shrunk and her xrays are now showing possible tumors throughout her bladder. This all came on so suddenly.. It’s hard for anyone to process. If I’m being honest.. it’s not looking good, and she’ll need the stones surgically removed to have any kind of fighting chance. Her surgery is scheduled for June 25th.

Chelsey has already paid $250 out of pocket for 10 days worth of antibiotics and close to $1000 on vet care and diagnostics. Vet bills are climbing and the surgery is expected to cost another $1800 and $2200. Which is a huge hit for anyone.. On top of that, she just finished moving into a new house, which comes with its own major expenses and stress.

Chelsey would never ask for help - so I’m doing it for her. I can see she needs us right now. Through all of the chaos of rescue work, Ava has been Chelsey’s constant. Her calm. Her sidekick. Her heart. Ava deserves this shot.

I am asking for donations, so Chelsey can focus on taking care of Ava during her recovery without having to stress about the large vet bill. Any funds that are leftover will be donated to Tails of Freedom Rescue Inc.

If you’re able to help, it would mean so much. And if you’re not in a place to donate, a share goes a long way. Our girl needs us. Let’s help Chelsey the way she’s helped so many others.