July 7, 2025:

I picked Billie up at a kennel in Kansas. She is 4 ½ years old. The beginning of her life was not easy—she had a difficult hip surgery at age 1, then after that a difficult litter of pups ending in a C-section and a spay. She still has issues with trust, and not being in a crate. It’s taken me the past 2 months to start to earn her trust. But we have bonded.

Since she was no longer able to be bred, she was adopted out to a couple for only a couple of weeks but didn’t get along with the male in the house. So, she was sent back to the kennel she came from. By the grace of God, and with IG rescue’s help, I was led to this kennel for her adoption.

Bringing Billie home were prayers answered. Driving back home through Kansas to get her felt like a dream. She loves to be held and petted and thoroughly enjoyed my lap the entire trip home. She never barks, maybe just a small whine when she wants to go out or needs attention.

Shes been with me for a little over 2 months now, and just starting to get used to a routine and let a little bit of her shyness go.

Sept 8, 2025:

We were out on the deck to grill, I turned my back for a minute and I heard a scream and turned around to see her on the ground. She had somehow jumped through a 3 ½’ deck railing on a one story raised deck. She didn’t just fall—she launched herself and landed badly, breaking both bones in her front legs. We have no idea how she got herself through the deck railing.

I rushed her to the vet ER who took X-rays and said things were bad. We were referred to the Iowa State Veterinary College ER, who confirmed she had badly broken both front legs. Thankfully, no other injuries were found. At the ER vet, she was given immediate help, sedation, and x-rays. She was medicated and stayed in their ICU for the night, and to see the orthopedic surgeon first thing the next morning. After saying goodbye and telling her how sorry I was, I left her in their hands, knowing they would watch her closely. Everyone we came in contact with at Iowa State was outstanding at their care and communication with me.

The next morning, I got a call from the surgeon that they would be able to surgically fix both legs with plates, screws, and padded splints to be worn for 6-8 weeks. Walking only for potty breaks, otherwise confined. Billie made it through 4+ hours of surgery fixing both legs, which was a miracle.

It was thought she would need to stay a few days in their hospital for recovery, but she was doing so well that they let her come home the next day.

Each day over this past week she has made small improvements. Being able to learn how to potty with two large casts and even allow herself to stretch a bit at times.

She’s such a timid, quiet and sweet dog, never complains and is being such a trooper through all of this. Shes even interested in eating- which has been a challenge since she came home to live with me. She deserves a chance at a good life.

Iowa State offered an application to help pay for a portion of her surgery, as she was deemed to be a good to excellent candidate for a good life long recovery. This was such a blessing and a surprise to us for this financial gift from their donors.

There will be more expenses on top of what I’ve already had to pay for half of her surgery out of my pocket, I will still need to cover for repeated X-rays, bandage and splint changes, exams, and could possibly include physical therapy. I am hoping this Go Fund Me can help to cover my portion of her surgery costs, as I am a retired nurse on a very limited income.

Up to this point, and outside of the Iowa State donation my costs have been $7,000. If I am to raise more funds than what are needed for her expenses I will so gladly donate the extra to Iowa State and IG Rescue.

Thank you for helping me and my Billie❤️