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I want to begin this story by saying that Belle has changed my life for the better, and with every day that we spend together I find myself more grateful for choosing the right companion and best friend on the very same day I met her. I had been struggling with major depression, anxiety, and panic disorder for several years until a crisis caused me to seek more intensive treatment for my conditions. Volunteering with animals was absolutely the push that aided my treatment. In November I attended an event geared towards animal adoption, including dogs and cats from both Los Angeles city shelters and rescue organizations. I was volunteering with an organization for whom I was fostering a dog for (she found a home the second day of the fair!). Little did I know I was about to bring home a new best friend.
Belle is curious, spunky, and intelligent; she’s the brightest piece of my every day and it breaks my heart that I cannot currently give her the medical care suggested by veterinarians. We used to go on long walks around my neighborhood, even traveling to new places for adventures and new sights and sounds. However both of her legs have shown increased injury related to Belle’s knees. One of her legs tends to lock and unlock—the other she can only put so much pressure on until it’s time to sit and take a break. A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury to her right leg has changed our lives. Our activity together outside has significantly decreased as a result. I used to be able to go everywhere with her. When she’s home on carpeted flooring she depicts the energy of a young pup, running back and forth and participating in games such as hide & seek and tag. There is still some hesitancy on her part though followed by sitting uncomfortably with her leg to the side. I know she wants to move more, go further out into the world where her joints wouldn’t be as protected as so indoors, but at the moment it’s just not feasible.
The physical toll on Belle’s body is apparent in behavioral changes that may be related to pain she unfortunately feels. Within the past months she has grown wary of strangers, particularly if she is sitting down to take a break from walking. I remember her earlier confidence and boldness in situations of all sorts—children running, adults in a hurry, cars going by. The past months show increased aggression likely related to worsening pain levels. I can see the frustration she feels with her inability to get around like she used to. I want to be able to provide for her all across the board, and physical health is such a major component of that.
During our most recent veterinary exam on July 16, 2016, the vet discussed that the next step for Belle’s hind legs would be surgery. Surgery is indicated for both legs with anesthesia grade 4, consisting of an ACL repair, patella luxation surgery, and setup/hospitalization fees. This estimate totals to $3,735.27 and is far beyond the financial means i can provide for Belle’s improvement in health. I remember when we could walk briskly outdoors for more than just a block or two, and I know Belle would love the opportunity to quite literally get back up on her feet. Any donation helps and is so much appreciated, by both the family that loves Belle unconditionally and by the dog that’s positively changed this family’s life forever. Thank you for your patience in reading our story. I strongly believe in improving Belle’s physical health so that her emotional and physical life and happiness can drastically improve, and I hope you’ll help me reach this goal. Thank you for your kindness.
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