What the Fund? The Wash Fund!

Jennifer Aufdenberg's (founder of Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue) foster dog, Wash, was bitten by a brown recluse spider while traveling to Texas to check on several dogs in boarding. Alarmed at the substantial swelling in Wash's foot, Jennifer took him to ThrivePet emergency veterinary care. The visit required hospitalization, and Wash's care from ThrivePet totaled $3,376. As Wash's skin became necrotic, Jennifer found herself at the ER again, this time at Mission Vet. After about a week of hospitalization, multiple debridements, and antibiotic for infections, Wash's stay at Mission Vet was a whopping $13,660.89! Payment came in the form of maxed-out credit cards, relative's Care Credit, and even loans from friends.

As soon as Wash was stable, Jennifer headed back to Arizona to continue his care closer to home to avoid further hospitalization. The Arizona vet confirmed the need for a skin graph, and Wash's surgery was another $4,773.74. The total veterinary expense to date is $21,811.03, but Wash will still require regular bandage changes and checkups. Other expenses (such as unexpected lodging/travel) are not included in this total.

Those following Wash's medical journey know that the fundraising campaign created on a different platform raised $5,302. Thank you to everyone who donated! Unfortunately, due to a barrage of hate mail and telephone calls, the initial fundraiser concluded the campaign early.

There are no guarantees we will not be shut out again; however, we will try GoFundMe, a larger platform. The amount of our GoFundMe campaign is $16,510 (total veterinary expenses less the amount previously raised).

For those continuing to beat that dead horse, the "new board" of Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue is not covering this amount and has made it clear that they only cover veterinary care for fosters when standard protocols are followed.

Thank you for your continued support, and we appreciate everyone’s help!