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Therapy for Mercy

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My brother Deven and his wife, Michelle added their first addition to their family in October 2013. They rescued their dog Mercy (Beagle mix) when she was just 9 months old. 
Fast forward to now, on Thursday, March 8th, 2018, Mercy suffered a ruptured disc in her cervical (neck). 
This means that the cushioning in between her bones ruptured, causing nerve damage and without the disc, it is now bone on bone.
The nerve damage has caused paralysis in all four of Mercy's legs, making her unable to stand or walk, or even hold any of her weight. She currently no longer has control of her bladder or bowels. 
Mercy was rushed to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Hospital. In order to perform emergency back surgery, she would need an MRI and extended hospital stay. The total cost of this would average around $10,000. 
This was not cost effective for them. Surgery isn't a 100% guarantee, and even with it, she may never walk again. 
They decided to keep her home and to do crate rest, medication, therapy and whatever they possibly could themselves to get Mercy back on her feet. 
When Mercy's disc ruptured, Deven and Michelle were in Florida with their son, Ashton on their very first family vacation. What was supposed to be an exciting and happy time, quickly turned into a rollercoaster of good days and bad days, not knowing if they would come home to their dog. 
When you welcome a pet into your family, it is a life long commitment. Mercy has been with them through Deven's 9 month deployment with the United States Navy, living thousands of miles away from family and friends. She was also there during their extremely difficult infertility journey. 
They wanted a child but needed help.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) was their next step. When the first attempt failed, they tried again and had success the second time, welcoming their son Ashton in November 2016. 
Mercy isn't just their dog, she is apart of their family. 
When you come home from vacation it is hard enough getting back into the swing of things. 
Michelle works full time, Deven is a full time college student at the University of Minnesota and caring for their son Ashton, who is under 2 years old. 
On top of all of that, they now have a dog who is basically paralyzed. It is a full time job and is completely consuming.
They were able to save up a small emergency fund before Mercy's disc ruptured, which has now been spent on Mercy's hospital visits, stays, medication, special food for easy digestion, blood work and xrays. 
The cost of other treatments such as laser therapy, acupuncture, hydro/water therapy is very expensive. But it is so needed for Mercy to have a chance at walking again. The cost of a dog wheelchair is also very expensive. Deven and Michelle built Mercy a wheelchair themselves out of PVC pipes and castor wheels.
They are doing everything they possibly can to help Mercy. 
But they need some help. 
If there is anyway you can donate any amount, it will help give Mercy the care she desperately needs. And help give this family a break.
This family has always tried to do the right thing. It seems that nothing ever comes easy for them. But they are determined in all of their endeavors. They never give up. They are some of the kindest and most hardworking people I have ever known. 
Please help me help them help their Mercy girl. Thank you for taking the time to read their story. This family is more than deserving for some help. They need a break. They need some light. Please help me be the light for them.
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Donations 

  • James & Patricia GretasMothernPa
    • $100
    • 7 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Lisa Leidall
Organizer
Austin, MN
Michelle Marie
Beneficiary

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