Support Keena's Recovery and Business Dreams

My name is Kirstin, and my beloved 1 1/2-year-old dog, Keena Heart, was recently hit by a car. The impact broke her pelvis in two places, requiring emergency orthopedic surgery to save her pelvis, leg, and ultimately, her life. The procedure, called Sacroiliac Luxation Repair, was incredibly delicate, and the ER doctor performed a miracle by inserting a small screw into the precise spot of her dime-sized bone. Along with her pelvic injury, she suffered a deep open gash on her leg, which is struggling to heal. Her recovery is absolutely critical for her survival. She’s confined to a crate or small room for 8-10 weeks to heal properly. If everything goes well, she’ll be able to run again, but if she moves too much, the screw could dislodge, potentially leading to the amputation of her rear leg.

The accident happened during a routine day at a church field where we often play. Unfortunately, something unexpected occurred - a dog barked from across the street, and Keena bolted. Within moments, she was struck by a car. Thankfully, it did stop after the initial impact, or else she would have been completely run over. The force of the hit sent her flying through the air, and she landed hard on the ground. Thankfully, she didn’t suffer a traumatic brain injury, and despite being in extreme pain, she managed to wobble over to me as I rushed her to the emergency vet. Heartbreakingly, the driver sped off after the hit – it was a hit-and-run.

Now, I’m faced with a vet bill of $6500. Due to the severity of Keena’s recovery, I’ve had to temporarily shut down my dog care business, which is my primary source of income. This means I’ll lose significant income through October and November. If I can’t find a way to manage this financial strain, I may have to close my dog boarding business permanently, and I will have to get a 9 to 5 job.

Keena Heart was a dream come true for me. I had always wanted a female dog and had her name picked out long before she was born. In 2020, I left my teaching job to pursue my passion and open my home to dogs dealing with separation anxiety or just needing a home away from home. During this time, Keena was born. Her dad is Lewy (Bichon/Poodle) and her mom is Moki (Basenji/Shiba Inu). I was lucky enough to witness her birth, and I’ll never forget the moment we had to break her amniotic sac to help her breathe because she was so big. She immediately stood out with her heart-shaped marking on her head, and I knew she was special.

Keena was born on November 2, 2022. She has 2 brothers, Buck & Buck Jr., who are Frenchies/Poodles. Together, they’ve become the heart and soul of my dream business, providing socialization for all the dogs I care for. This business has been a labor of love for me, and it’s grown into something so meaningful. I can’t bear the thought of losing my fur babies and this dream we’ve built together.

I’m reaching out to the dog-loving community for help. Any support you can give would mean the world to me. My goal is to cover Keena’s vet bills, and anything extra will go toward keeping my home open to provide a safe place for dogs, just as I’ve always done. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.