On December 12, 2008 I got a call from Amy at Tampa Bay Veterinary Services.
Because of my Rescue work, Amy thought maybe I could help. A young
family had brought in their 7 month old puppy, "Roxie" after she had been
hit by a car. Both bones in the front leg were broken and one hip was
dislocated. The surgery was going to cost $3,800.00 an impossible
amount for this family who a year ago had been struck by another tragedy.
Their two year old daughter had been severely injured when a swing set at
the Palmetto Civic Center collapsed crushing her skull and breaking her neck
and back. "Lexi" has been in a coma ever since.
I told Amy I would see what could be done. I put a note of the Wiscoy
Forum (an internet meeting site for Labrador breeders and owners) not
knowing what to expect. I also wrote to my friends and puppy owners
and asked if they would help. Within hours Jane Mayo, DVM had stepped
forward offering to do one of Roxie's surgeries at no cost. Dr. Matt
Oakes, the surgeon at TBVS reduced his estimate to $1,900.0O and the calls
and e-mails started coming in. Within 24 hours nearly all of Roxie's
bills had been paid. We were 59.00 short of the needed funds when I received
a call from friends in the Dutch Antilles offering $500.00 if needed.
The
outpouring of compassion and concern for a dog and a family no one knew was
tremendous. People wrote to say they had lost their own dog and didn't want
this family to go through the same sadness. Others donated in
gratitude for their healthy grandchildren. Some apologized for not
being able to send more because of serious illnesses in the family or with
their dog, but still they gave. It was nothing short of a
miracle.
Thanks to all of you,
I'm happy to report that Roxie is home doing what she does well, keeping
vigil over little Lexi.