 I lost my Schnauzer Sasha after 14 years together. After her loss, I was unsure if I was ready for another dog. I have always had a dog and other animals in my life. I was looking at getting another dog, following all the rescues, watching all the websites. I went to the Winter Carnival at the Doggie Depot. There, I spoke to a lady about fostering. It was a good idea. I could help out, get the love, all while I waited for the right match to come into my life. I filled out the paperwork and was vetted. After I went to a couple of meet and greets, I was in.
Lucy, from the MN Boxer Rescue, soon called with a dog that was being transported from Texas that had some mobility issues and needed a short term foster that had an accessible home. Being in a wheelchair myself, I could accommodate her since I had a ramp and main floor living. That night she arrived at my home. She came right to me, up the ramp and into the house. She quickly made herself at home. At this time she could walk but was very wobbly and weak. We would go on walks several times a day. She had several doctor appointments and tests during that first year. I would bring her to all of the meet and greets. She loved to be in public and meet people. People would think that she was my service dog. There were people interested in adopting her, we even brought her for home visits. But people were hesitant because the reason for her condition was still unknown.
After fostering her for a year and a half we had really connected. I was hesitant to adopt her due to her medical conditions as well. But the love was wearing my common sense down. I went back and forth so many times whether or not adopting her was a good idea. Could I be a caretaker with my economic situation? Would I be the right fit for her? I decided that I would do my best to budget for her needs. I adopted her officially, knowing she was already home where she belonged.
Maeley had a rough start with several bladder infections and surgery for stones as well as a long battle with heart worm treatments. The first year her legs became even less stable and she still did not have a diagnosis. Most of the doctors agreed we had ruled out several things and it would be best to track her progress and treat her symptoms. She eventually needed a wheelchair. Which she took to right away. Through all of this, there were several places that helped with her care. The MN Boxer Rescue covered some of her initial medical costs, I did a Go-Fund-Me to help cover the cost for the heart worm treatment. The Animal Care Foundation helped with basic shots and later with the cost of her prescription food she needs for the bladder stones. We found a great nonprofit clinic, Mission Animal Hospital, that has a sliding fee scale program for her other needs. I also utilize Care Credit, since I could not get insurance for her because of her pre existing condition. I treat it as a monthly expense for her.  Marley Mae is 7 years old now. And we have been together for almost 6 years. She is now fairly stable and a happy girl. She loves to play, go on walks, and adores people (especially kids). She is very sweet and gentle. She is truly a great dog. I have physical disabilities and suffer with depression, I have to say she is my ultimate support animal. She helps me get up and go, no matter how I am feeling. She needs me as much as I need her! We help each other every day. We really are “quite the pair” as people have said.
Lisa and Maeley Mae
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 Bogey was in need of his annual wellness exam and his vaccines. His human had already spent a significant amount on a surgery he needed and could not afford this additional care. Thankfully, because of the generosity of our member clinics and donors, Bogey received the care he needed and is home playing like a good dog.
The importance of wellness care, vaccines, and screenings cannot be overstated. By doing these exams and tests before there is a noticeable issue, health problems can be discovered before they become life threatening and steps can be taken to mitigate the chance of catastrophic issues. Not only does this care avoid unnecessary pain and suffering for the pet, but it often proves cheaper to address the medical issues before they become bigger! This allows ACF to use those saved funds to help even more animals.  Marceau is a young dog who injured his knee and needed surgery to fix it. He had a luxated patella. Marceau loves to run, jump, and explore, like most young dogs. Unfortunately, due to his injury he had to wear a knee brace for several months and was not allowed to jump up on the couch or the look out station in his mom’s home. Barb did find a ramp eventually to allow him access to his favorite look out point!
To get back to full enjoyment of dog life, Marceau needed surgery. So, Barb contacted us at the Animal Care Foundation. Working with her and her existing clinic we were able to secure a donation from the clinic of some of the care pro bono, as well as provide $1,100 of funds to help with the cost of the surgery. Unfortunately, due to the cost being over $2,600 (not including after care) these funds were still not enough to bring the surgery cost into a range that Barb could afford.
So, Barb applied for assistance from the Human Society. With this added help, the surgery could go forward! Marceau had surgery in late December and has been recovering for the past month! He is making good strides in his physical therapy and should make a full recovery! Thank you to the donors and our supporters who made this care possible!
For Laurel, having Prince in her life has helped her feel less lonely. Prince depends on her, which provides Laurel with a reason to push through those hard times. Caring for him has given her life more meaning. When Prince was adopted he was dangerously underweight due to an undiagnosed, chronic gastrointestinal condition. After spending her stimulus check on getting him care, his mom was out of funds and needed help accessing the continued care he needed to remain healthy. Because of donors like you, ACF was able to step in and help provide this continued care! Prince is now at a healthy weight and a very happy kitty!
Mr. Sugar Kitty needed his annual wellness exam and his vaccines. He is an older cat requiring routine blood work to check for common diseases that impact cats of his age. Living on a very limited income, his mom wanted to make sure he got all the care he needed, but required help to do so. Thankfully, because of the generosity of our member clinics and donors, Mr. Sugar Kitty received the care he needed and is happily cuddling with his mom at home.
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Updated: 8/19/2022
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Updated: 8/19/2022
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