Hello,
My name is Tarin, and I'm the proud mom of two furbabies. My recent rescue, Lizzie who came into my life this past January from Last Chance Animal Rescue, has had some challenges with getting acclimated to her life outside of a puppy mill. Her story is not one that starts happy. She was used and abused for years, neglected, and in very poor shape when I took her in. In a lot of ways, she came into my life at a time when my own mental health was not optimal. Adopting Lizzie was a sporadic decision, but one that gave reason to my own being once again, and purpose beyond what I had expected.
The beginning days and weeks were so challenging that I often cried for her thinking about what she's been through. Maybe I cried for myself thinking how I dared to be anything but happy in my life when I see what she's been through. Watching the terror in her eyes, as it seemed to never want to go away, and her quivering figure get through the days without any idea of what the future would hold, was heartbreaking. Little did I know the spunky, playful, lovable, and affectionate personality that was hidden inside.
It took months to get through the basics. My older dog was a big help. She watched him, and everything he did. She made slow progress and in small doses, but every step was a step towards her new life. The first visit to my vet's office revealed a sever UTI which was probably present for god knows how long. Her teeth were in poor shape and her weight was far below where it should've been. Her hair was matted and her nails clearly never trimmed properly. Everything that comes naturally to most dogs was a nightmare for Lizzie. Walking outside and feeling the ground under her feet made her freeze up. Eating all the food, and everything else in sight out of fear of not having any later, and getting sick from it, made her hide food in every corner of her crate and any where else in the house that she could. The list of unexpected behaviors went on and on. It all broke my hearts. I just prayed that I would get her in a good place eventually and she would learn to trust.
One by one, we worked through each and every problem that was obvious at first. Her personality started to come out gradually with every bit of improvement in her health and mental state. Her refusal to take treats from my hand due to lack of trust are now turned into snuggles and love of being pet on the head. No one would believe she's the same dog that I brought home seven month ago.
Among the medical problems we've overcome and those yet to tackle, are the bladder stones she has to have removed, which are most likely due to the years of UTI's she had that went untreated.
I've never undermined my dogs' health for financial reasons. Not either of them. My older dog is proof of that statement. My babies' we'll being has always been priority for me and in this case, knowing the discomfort that Lizzie is experiencing and the relief this surgery will bring to her life is enough reason for me to go through without any help. But as life's events and unexpected "surprises" can lead to feeling the financial pinch, I'm reaching out in hopes of a helping hand. I hope that there are people reading Lizzie's story, maybe being able to relate, and understand where I'm coming from.
If you choose to partake in helping fund Lizzie's surgery you're taking part in bettering the life of an animal who has no voice. You are the voice! I thank you for reading this far and I hope you find it in your heart to help us.
Good karma,
Tarin
