Sponsor Claire: July 2012

Claire's Story

CLAIRE NEEDS YOUR HELP! Claire, a Chihuahua/Rat Terrier mix, was rescued from the Carson shelter in 2006. Since then she has been certified as a Delta Society therapy dog, visiting nursing homes and hospitals for the last two years.

Claire was diagnosed via MRI on 6/21/11 with a herniated disc in her spine at the TL junction caused by Canine IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease). The neurologist recommended an immediate surgery called hemilaminectomy estimated at $6,000.00. Since I did not have the funds for surgery at the time, Claire was treated conservatively with steroid anti-inflammatories, pain meds, and complete crate rest. I also took Claire to a holistic vet who started her on twice weekly laser therapy treatments and several supplements. I started a Facebook page and ChipIn at that time to raise funds for the surgery/treatment.

Since completing eight weeks of crate rest at the end of August, Claire has started an expensive physical therapy program. She goes once a week for acupuncture, electrical stimulation, B12 injections, and stretching therapy exercises under the care of a vet with twice daily therapy at home. She's also continuing laser therapy weekly at our local holistic vet, and is on up to six supplements and medications (from both the neurologist, holistic vet, and physical therapist). She's now on supervised open-crate movement at home with no jumping or stairs. We are considering a preventative procedure called Laser Disc Ablation to be performed at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK (where they pioneered the procedure) sometime this fall or winter when Claire's more fully healed.

Claire has potentially ten years left of life and needs to be freed from pain. Her vet insurance is capped and will not cover even a sixth of the cost of surgery, let alone physical therapy to follow.

Please sponsor in any amount possible. Thank you!

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A note about the blog: the purpose of the blog is fourfold: firstly to track what approaches we've tried in Claire's recovery and when, to encourage donations and allow donors to track Claire's progress and recovery, as a journal to help me track whom I have approached in fundraising and the responses, and as a resource for others who face difficulties (financial or otherwise) in caring for their pet's medical conditions. I'm hoping the sidebars and resources will be useful to others long after we've been through this process and that some good will come of our story.

The organization Dodgerslist is in no way connected to this page or its contents. All statements and opinions made are my own and intended for informational purposes only.

PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your tone of voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Take a moment today to enjoy and take good care of your pets. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without them. You are surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness embodied in four legs!

Sponsor Claire

Buy Claire Products to Support her Vetting

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Chance and Claire in a Beverage Basket

Products Featuring Claire's Brother, Chance ~ Proceeds Benefit Claire's Surgery Fund

Cool Stuff from Zazzle Featuring the Squirrels in Our Yard

Cool Stuff from Our Zazzle Store featuring Quilts

Cool Stuff from Our Zazzle Store Featuring Needlepoint

Cool Stuff from Our Zazzle Store Featuring the Chalk Festival

Claire's Mom Sells Vintage Pyrex and Craft Items on Etsy Too ~~ Help Sponsor Claire's Vet Care