Update on Stella November 2021

My name is Heather, I am a single mother and life has brought its share of hurdles but, let me tell you something. With all the worries, fears, instability, obstacles and troubles I have been through, adopting Stella, my pit bull puppy, was the best thing I did for me and my family. It was a spur of the moment decision, but the best thing for the mental health of my family during these crazy times. Stella has made my kid’s smiles brighter since the day they met her! They go outside more than they have in a long time! They play catch with her, take her for walks, and feed her. Just pure joy!  As a mother, that's all we really want for our kids, right? My kids have a responsibility that they love!
 
Around 16 weeks old, Stella started getting sick. She was not eating, throwing up, sleeping a lot, and losing weight. I was very concerned! I called around to some animal hospitals and I was told to bring her in.  Tests were run.  Stella was diagnosed with parvo virus which is a viral disease affecting puppies between six and twenty weeks causing life-threatening gastrointestinal illness.  As devastating news as parvo virus is we had hope she would recover.  Unfortunately, the next thing we learned led us down an entirely new and dangerous path. After an ultrasound was performed we learned Stella had ingested two socks and without immediate surgery she would lose her life
 
I am literally panicking at this point; calling all insurance companies, trying to figure out how in the world am I going to pay for the procedure Stella needed to save her life.  I thought of all possibilities and recognized my kids would be crushed if something happened to our Stella.  That’s the last thing they needed during this pandemic!
 
Someone in the Veterinarian’s office suggested I contact Tails to Freedom @ Lucky Dog Thrift Shop to see if they could help.  I reached out and explained the situation.  I had to act fast. Stella didn't have much time. The Veterinarian would not be able to perform the surgery without payment and as difficult as it was to accept, I just knew I could not fully afford emergency surgery for Stella at this time. Lucky Dog Thrift Shop, with the incredible support of the shoppers, helped save my Stella’s life.  Because of them, my dog is alive, healthy and as happy as she once was before she got sick!
 
Ultimately, all along, it has been about the well-being of Stella. She would not be alive today without the love and support of Tails to Freedom, Inc.’s shoppers, supporters & donors and we could not be more grateful.  I thank you. My kids thank you. We are one big happy and healthy family again!
 
-Heather & Family