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Rayna Oesterreicher hasn't added a story.
A year after my husband and I married, we decided it was time to expand our family. We adopted Komtesse LillyEllen von Oesterreicher on September 7th 2008.
2008 & 2009 were two years of lows; my husband and I did not
know we would or could endure. The purchase of our first house was
wrought with unforeseen and costly repairs and legal issues. Late
September 2008, my health took a turn for the worse - I was admitted
to the hospital, I had my gall bladder removed, I was close to death
with half dollar size gallstones. Two months later , in November 2008,
I lost my Grandmother to cancer– one of the most important people in
my life, THE rock in my life. 6 months later, in May 2009, I lost my
job. Then 2 months later, in June of 2009, my husband lost his mother
to a tragic car accident. The year 2010 wasn't much better, I wasn't
able to get out of bed or get dressed on my own, my joints were
swelling up I didn't know what was going on. I went to the doctor and
was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, a disease that has
truly changed my life for the worse. In 2011 we had to file Chapter 13
bankruptcy. This year brought another threat of losing our home,
health problems leading to a hysterectomy that cost me a month of
wages, Lupus flares and tumors. Just last week I was told I have a
tumor in my salivary gland that may be cancerous, surgery is scheduled
in early November. It is literally one blow after another for us.
There were days I didn’t know how or if I would ever feel better.
But the spirit of that little puppy – our Lilly -
gave me the reason to smile, the reason to love, and some days even the reason to live, I couldn’t seem to find any where else. She is truly the most amazing, beautiful gift this life has given me. Lilly was just seven and a half pounds when we picked her up, bright blue eyes, huge ears and paws. From that day on she has been by my side, whether I'm sad or happy. Lilly seems to know when a Lupus Flare is coming, she stays tight to my side, lying on my lap or in bed with me until it passes sometimes for days on end.
Lilly has always had my back since the day we got her and now
it’s my turn to save this dog’s life like she saved mine 6 years ago.
About a month ago she was out enjoying her evening walk with
Daddy and began limping. The next morning we took her to our vet and
were told she had a partial tear in her ACL. She was put on strict
rest, Rimadyl and Benadryl (to help her sleep). The treatment didn’t
seem to be working, but we knew of people who had gone through this
same injury with their dogs and thought we just needed to stay course
a little longer. Then last week, she stepped off our porch and fell
down – her back leg could no longer support her. I took her to an
orthopedic veterinarian and was told she has a 100% tear on her rear
ACL, - the ligament is literally in two pieces - she has to have
surgery to repair it. The cost of the surgery will be between
$2,000-$4,000! With out the surgery, Lilly will not heal. She will
never again know the happiness of walking in the woods with Daddy.
She will never know a day without pain. I absolutely can not watch this beautiful girl, my best friend, live her life in pain. If we can not find the money for the surgery, we will have to put her down. Due to the bankruptcy, we are not eligible for a credit line or loan. We need to come up with the money another way. In return for a donation, I am offering various homemade dog items as a token of appreciation for your support. We do not have any children, Lilly is our baby girl. We love her so much and want her to live a long, healthy life with the best quality possible! If you can help up reach our goal of $3,000, know that you are not only saving “a dog”, you are saving a family.
Perks
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A handmade cozy coat for your furry buddy! The outer shell is waterproofed rip stop material with a storage pocket, leash hole and adjustable Velcro closures. The lining is super soft fleece to keep you pup warm. I have a variety of colors and sizes available. The picture is an XL size, the model is Levi a male Great Dane/Weimaraner cross who weighs 110lbs and is 33 1/2 inches tall at the shoulder.
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- 1 claimed
A handmade cozy coat for your furry buddy! The outer shell is waterproofed rip stop material with a storage pocket, leash hole and adjustable Velcro closures. The lining is super soft fleece to keep you pup warm. I have a variety of colors and sizes available. The picture is an XL size, the model is Levi a male Great Dane/Weimaraner cross who weighs 110lbs and is 33 1/2 inches tall at the shoulder.
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