Stella's Emergency Spinal Surgery
Donation protected
Dear Family and Friends,
It seems we took Stella for a fun day of tracking birds at just the right time. At this point, we don't know if she'll ever wag her tail again, much less participate in the things she lives for - chasing birds and frisbees.
Stella is an energetic and affectionate German Shorthaired Pointer with no shortage of either. She is an expert at several tricks: come, sit, lie down, shake hands, other hand, balance a treat on your nose, and our personal favorite, go to your room.
She is not good at "stay." That's why it breaks our hearts to see her suddenly unable to walk or enjoy her life.
We received a phone call when our plane landed to go visit my sister. Stella needed emergency spinal surgery, and we were 1500 miles away. She is still nearly paralyzed in her rear half, and she is learning to pee and move her legs again, ever so slightly. She has a good chance of being able to walk again, and a slight chance of spinal cord death, a life-threatening disease.
As we write this, we are filled with hope and excitement, because Stella just peed a little on her own, and was moving her knees a little as we "walked" her like a wheelbarrow! She is still dragging her knuckles most of the time.
The costs of surgery and the related services are more than we can handle without tapping the retirement fund. Thank goodness for credit cards in the short term.
The total, including the local veterinarian and bedding/cleaning supplies, is nearing $7000.
We expect no financial assistance, and would be proud to dig out of this setback ourselves, but many of you, especially those who already know and love Stella, have offered to help, so we've decided to swallow our pride and ask for help.
If you make any contribution whatsoever, you will have our deepest gratitude and appreciation.
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and love also!
Ed and Stephanie
It seems we took Stella for a fun day of tracking birds at just the right time. At this point, we don't know if she'll ever wag her tail again, much less participate in the things she lives for - chasing birds and frisbees.
Stella is an energetic and affectionate German Shorthaired Pointer with no shortage of either. She is an expert at several tricks: come, sit, lie down, shake hands, other hand, balance a treat on your nose, and our personal favorite, go to your room.
She is not good at "stay." That's why it breaks our hearts to see her suddenly unable to walk or enjoy her life.
We received a phone call when our plane landed to go visit my sister. Stella needed emergency spinal surgery, and we were 1500 miles away. She is still nearly paralyzed in her rear half, and she is learning to pee and move her legs again, ever so slightly. She has a good chance of being able to walk again, and a slight chance of spinal cord death, a life-threatening disease.
As we write this, we are filled with hope and excitement, because Stella just peed a little on her own, and was moving her knees a little as we "walked" her like a wheelbarrow! She is still dragging her knuckles most of the time.
The costs of surgery and the related services are more than we can handle without tapping the retirement fund. Thank goodness for credit cards in the short term.
The total, including the local veterinarian and bedding/cleaning supplies, is nearing $7000.
We expect no financial assistance, and would be proud to dig out of this setback ourselves, but many of you, especially those who already know and love Stella, have offered to help, so we've decided to swallow our pride and ask for help.
If you make any contribution whatsoever, you will have our deepest gratitude and appreciation.
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and love also!
Ed and Stephanie
Organizer
Ed Schmed
Organizer
Hopkins, MN
