They lost Luca-Help Nick & Rachel Keep Their Home

Hello, my name is Barbara Davin; I'm a long-time family friend of Rachel Cook and Nick Stavale. I'm hoping to help Nick and Rachel through a very difficult time by setting up this Go Fund Me page for them. Please take a few minutes to read about how it happened that they need our help.

It started with a treatable injury and ended with the loss of their dear sweet dog Luca. You might remember Luca from Common Roots Pub, where Nick often tended bar with his best furry friend by his side. Luca was a handsome Catahoula Leopard Dog mix, a little shy but always playful and happy.

Last summer, Luca stepped off the bed awkwardly. That’s it. The tiniest moment. TLC from Nick and Rachel at home and multiple vet visits followed, with increasing dosages and combinations of pain medication. An x-ray showed no broken bones, but dark spots along his cervical spine, which one vet thought could be arthritis, and a surgeon thought were herniated cervical discs. Over three months, Luca had some signs of progress and happy days for sure. However, his inability to heal, and his pain level didn’t match the assumption of herniated discs. When Luca lost the use of his front left leg, Rachel and Nick built a ramp down the back steps to make trips to the yard smoother. They rearranged the house and how they lived in it to be with Luca on the ground floor when one vet prescribed absolute bed rest for Luca.

A bright spot in this story comes for Luca after seeing Dr. Leick of Alexandria, KY, who gave acupuncture, an adjustment, and some herbs for nausea. After months of stomach-churning pain, Luca had some relief, and was able to fall asleep deeply enough to snore loudly! Luca did not regain stability or mobility. He lost the ability to stand on his own for more than a couple minutes. He needed around-the-clock care. Nick had already pulled back at work over the last month, and now stayed home altogether in order to get Luca outside for his potty breaks. A big boy, Luca was 93lbs – Rachel wasn’t able to manage that lift on her own.

On Thanksgiving morning, Luca took a turn. Rachel had convinced Nick to take Luca to his family’s for the holiday to soak up the change of scenery and all the extra loving. His family were already on their way over to pick up Nick and Luca, when the decision to drive straight to the emergency vet was made. Luca died in his daddy’s arms, in a car full of family, in the parking lot of the emergency vet. His death was caused by internal bleeding.

If only animals could talk! It can be very hard to tell if it's a better choice to nurse them or say goodbye. As a pet lover whose dogs are family members, I understand, and I'm sure you do too.

What "now" looks like for Nick and Rachel: The money spent on Luca’s care was money meant for the mortgage of the house they just bought. Because Luca was never diagnosed with a terminal illness, there was always hope that he would recover. The extreme stress and grief of these past few months have been so hard on Nick and Rachel. They are both heartbroken, and now struggling to pay their mortgage, bills and even afford food. They currently don't have the credit to qualify for a loan. Nick’s income is what was balancing the books each month. Time spent off work, combined with spending their entire savings on vet bills and medications, means that Rachel and Nick are in a true financial emergency.

Luckily, Nick works for a wonderful, understanding couple who -amazingly- are holding his job for him until he can get back to it.. Rachel is a grad student, which many of you know is extremely stressful even without any other problems! In May she receives her MS degree in Medical Herbalism. Currently, she receives a small stipend and also works part time. She's actively looking for more income and assistance, including selling whatever personal belongings she possibly can. Time is closing in, and even all of these efforts combined won't be enough to save the day.

Donations made here are routed directly to Rachel and Nick, and they'll be beyond grateful for your help. Please join me in helping them reach this goal and get through this rough patch. Every donation counts; no amount is too small. Thank you, Dear Friends, for taking the time to read this and for any help you can offer.