A Leg up for Raven

Raven Girl needs a leg up!

Hello, folks.

I am writing today to let you know that Raven girl needs your help. After 9 years of devoted service to humankind in the form of shameless joy, unshakable friendship, and the pursuit of troublesome squirrels, Raven has finally done it.

A little less than a month ago, Raven ruptured her cruciate ligament (ACL) while frolicking in the park. It is a fairly common injury in dogs of her age, and usually involves a fairly straightforward (albeit expensive) operation. After counseling with her veterinarian, we opted to "wait and see" for a month, trying to give her time to heal and keeping her off the leg as much as possible. And while she has improved a bit and remains the stout, loyal, cheerful soldier that she is, it looks like the only sure way to guarantee her a decent quality of life is through surgery. Every step she takes causes her pain, and while she pretends to shake it off and maintains a positive demeanor, with each step my heart breaks a little bit for her. She is, at the moment, a tripod, and hops around with a back leg tucked painfully underneath her.

Now, I do not enjoy asking for help in personal matters, but this is currently beyond my means. All told, the medical bills"”including an x-ray, anesthesia, a specialist, and surgery"”are likely to exceed $4000. Having just faced the expenses of a freak automobile accident (which I will be paying for for a while yet), this injury to my best and closest friend could not come at a worse time. Had she busted her leg before my car accident, I would have gladly given up my automobile to guarantee her happiness. She honestly means the world to me.

And I'm guessing she might mean something to you, too. For those of you that know Raven well, you know that there has rarely been a better dog to grace our community, a more positive and pure presence to watch over our petty species. Count the the times she has sidled up and insinuated herself within easy reach of your petting hand, or leaned against you at a gathering when I am lost, making friends out of strangers and casual lovers out of friends. She makes her rounds with the simple goal of seeking out companions new and old, and guaranteeing herself some measure of comfort in this world. And now I'm writing this on her behalf to continue her lofty and ambitious campaign.

I\'m asking you all to think about this, but please: Don't think too long. The sooner she can get the operation, the sooner she will be up and running again. (Running makes her happy.) The longer she goes without the surgery, the more severe her arthritis is likely to be in her dotage. Whatever you can give, if you are feeling it, will be deeply appreciated by all of us

Thank you!