[UPDATE: Hi everyone and thanks for the flurry of support this afternoon. You are all truly inspiring and made a tough situation just that much more manageable when someone needed it most. Unfortunately, I have to report that after hours of discussions with vets, neurologists and specialists, it was decided that the chance of a long, healthy life for Fritz was too slim and that it would be better for him to go on with the happy memories of the past ten days with a family who loved him very much. I will personally see to it that all donations are refunded or donated to a suitable charity of the donor's choosing. My heart goes out to the family.]
There are two things that I firmly believe without a doubt in my mind. First, that welcoming an animal into your home and giving them a wonderful life is truly one of the greatest things a person can do. Second, that the power of community can overcome any challenge. This post - be it fortunately or not - pulls heavily from both of those beliefs.
Ten days ago, Mel, Dan and Ike - a fantastic family -
welcomed a mysterious dachshund rescue into their home. After a past of neglect and possible abuse, Fritz had found his forever home and already seemed relieved to finally be in a place of love and support and if we could end the story right here, all would be just perfect. Unfortunately, Fritz needs more than just a family's love and a lap to curl up on.
After a few incidences of wobbly legs and discomfort,
Mel took Fritz to the vet, ultimately finding out that his spine needs to be drained before he becomes partially paralyzed - a dachshund owner's worst fear. We've talked about the ins and outs of
back issues at length in the past, but this is the closest it has come to home for one of our contributors. With an estimated $7,000 in surgical costs that they don't have, Mel is currently between a rock and a hard place with a poor, little dachshund curled up next to her.
Because I'd like to think that I wouldn't make the hardest of all decisions when it comes to dog ownership before exhausting all possibilities, I'd like to set the ball in motion to see if I can help this family pull through for Fritz. I ask that you donate what you can as soon as possible - every little bit helps. You can do so using the ChipIn button below which you can also copy and paste onto your own blogs. If you can't donate, help by spreading the word to anyone who can and join the
Facebook group to get the latest on his progress.
I needed to get this going right away but stay tuned for prizes that will be drawn for at random from the list of people who donate to the cause starting today. Bear with me...this is a fly by the seat of your pants operation at the moment!
There are two things that I firmly believe without a doubt in my mind. First, that welcoming an animal into your home and giving them a wonderful life is truly one of the greatest things a person can do. Second, that the power of community can overcome any challenge. This post - be it fortunately or not - pulls heavily from both of those beliefs.
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