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On Friday, June 14, my heart dropped when I saw multiple fire trucks at my neighbor, Virginia Taylor's, house. When I walked over, a ring of firefighters were administering aid to Virginia's dog, Ella. My dogs often stay with Virginia, so Ella is pretty much their "cousin." In fact, it easily could have been my dogs getting life-saving treatment from the firefighters.
Five other dogs were also rescued from the smoke-filled house, but Ella in particular was having a hard time. While the other dogs were hiding in a room at the other end of the house from the electrical fire, Ella stood guard. Firefighters found her half in and half out of the bathtub -- she was the last one out of the house. Firefighters from the Cocoa Fire Department administered oxygen for a long while, and it hurt to see her body lying there, limp.
Then she seemed to shake it off. She lifted her head and nosed the firefighters -- they all started clapping. I snapped this photo as a good samaritan carried her across the street to a neighbor's house. She was shaky and unable to walk. Unfortunately, Ella did not do well overnight, and the next several days, she needed intensive care under an oxygen tent to treat her severe smoke inhalation.
The next few days were dicey -- and expensive. The excellent vets at Island Animal Hospital and Animal Emergency and Critical Care Center of Brevard took great care diagnosing and treating Ella's injuries. She required around the clock critical care from Saturday through Tuesday to treat the injuries to her lungs and esophagus. On Tuesday evening, she got to come "home" to my guest house. She was in good spirits and wanted to play with her "cousin" Bella.
Unfortunately, the combined vet bills have been larger than expected. Ella's expenses thus far are beyond $4800, and she will have more special needs in the weeks ahead with medication to prevent pneumonia, special food, follow-up visits, and more. To those of you who have already contributed, THANK YOU!! Your generosity helped take care of Ella. She'd hug you if she could! The family is so grateful for any contribution you can make to help them pay for Ella's continued care.
Five other dogs were also rescued from the smoke-filled house, but Ella in particular was having a hard time. While the other dogs were hiding in a room at the other end of the house from the electrical fire, Ella stood guard. Firefighters found her half in and half out of the bathtub -- she was the last one out of the house. Firefighters from the Cocoa Fire Department administered oxygen for a long while, and it hurt to see her body lying there, limp.
Then she seemed to shake it off. She lifted her head and nosed the firefighters -- they all started clapping. I snapped this photo as a good samaritan carried her across the street to a neighbor's house. She was shaky and unable to walk. Unfortunately, Ella did not do well overnight, and the next several days, she needed intensive care under an oxygen tent to treat her severe smoke inhalation.
The next few days were dicey -- and expensive. The excellent vets at Island Animal Hospital and Animal Emergency and Critical Care Center of Brevard took great care diagnosing and treating Ella's injuries. She required around the clock critical care from Saturday through Tuesday to treat the injuries to her lungs and esophagus. On Tuesday evening, she got to come "home" to my guest house. She was in good spirits and wanted to play with her "cousin" Bella.
Unfortunately, the combined vet bills have been larger than expected. Ella's expenses thus far are beyond $4800, and she will have more special needs in the weeks ahead with medication to prevent pneumonia, special food, follow-up visits, and more. To those of you who have already contributed, THANK YOU!! Your generosity helped take care of Ella. She'd hug you if she could! The family is so grateful for any contribution you can make to help them pay for Ella's continued care.
Organizer and beneficiary
Virginia Taylor
Beneficiary