This has been a very challenging year for our family between job setbacks, costly car troubles, devastating family issues and finally almost losing a family pet. Initially we were hesitant to do this-but with love and compassion for our daughter Charlotte, we are reaching out asking for help.

Back in September, after working hard and saving up Charlotte was so excited to be able to pay cash for a 2006 Dodge Charger only to have the engine blow two months later, leaving her without a working vehicle. That was quite the financial hit but without complaining and trying to stay positive, she moved on. The real hardship came on November 4th when she was out walking the dogs. As she was almost home and just a few houses away, she found herself walking towards another women walking two pit bulls. Knowing our dogs, Charlotte moved to the opposite side of the street and was doing her best to keep Leo and Luna's attention moving forward when somehow Luna broke free from her collar and ran over approaching the two dogs. Before anyone could react Luna was being viciously attacked. Without thinking, Charlotte pulled Luna free and quickly noticed she was bleeding profusely. Covered in blood and scared to death, she raced her to the Animal clinic down the road where they were able to give her pain medication and stabilize her. But because they found she had sustained life-threatening injuries they couldn't treat her and said she'd have to be taken to the Animal Hospital in Oakdale. Once assessed, we learned that she had three puncture wounds-the worst of them a three inch gash with a traumatic rupture of her spleen and kidney. Without major surgery, she wouldn't survive. In that time, we had to decide whether or not to save Luna's life with costly surgery or let her go.

To say Luna is important to Charlotte is an understatement. We rescued Luna In January of 2024 and she was to be Charlotte's little buddy. As we all know, the pandemic was hard on our kids. And then add the difficult times of adolescence combined with mental health struggles. Luna was brought into our home as a way of bringing joy, happiness and comfort to our daughter who was having a hard time.

Without hesitation Charlotte said she would pay the nearly $10,000 needed to give Luna a fighting chance at survival. Luna underwent surgery that night and thankfully everything went as well as the doctor's could have hoped. Now it was a matter of how she would recover. She ended up losing a kidney in the attack but they were able to repair her spleen and with 10 stitches had her back together. She spent 48 hours at the hospital with round the clock care where they could keep a watchful eye on her. All the doctors said she was a strong little girl and they were surprised to see how well she was recovering. "Lucky to be alive" were the words we heard more than once. It was a little scary for her first couple days recovering at home as she was still in a lot of pain and we had multiple medications to administer which Luna detested! Each day though she got a little stronger and a week and a half later she had her stitches removed. It was a miracle...she was looking and feeling much better!

All said and done, between the initial vet appointment and the hospital stay the bills were over $10,000. Charlotte paid $9,000 depleting her savings. This is money Charlotte had been saving to pay for her schooling which she was planning on starting in the spring. Between the engine blowing in her car and the vet bills to save her dogs' life-Charlotte is out $13, 500, has no car and no money in her savings account. Because of all these setbacks, she's decided to wait to start classes so that she can continue working as much as possible and save up again.

Anyone who knows our daughter, knows that she is THE most generous, helpful, thoughtful and hard working person you will ever meet. This girl even went out and bought a $50 Starbucks gift card to give the vets and techs to show her gratitude for saving Luna's life and taking such good care of her! I know that going through hardships like this are a part of life and she will definitely learn some really tough lessons through this experience. But I also know that if anyone else were going through hard times like this and needed a little help, she would be the first person to step up.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for considering supporting Charlotte. We appreciate all prayers, positive thoughts, and donations big and small!!