Esther's surgeries have been successfully completed. Thank you for your help!
Periodically staff members from Heartland go to high kill shelters to save animals that would otherwise be euthanized. While we normally rescue animals in excellent health and with high adoptability potential, every once in a while there is a cat or dog who just tugs at the heartstrings and, though we know we have an uphill battle ahead of us, we feel we must take in so they have a second chance at life. On Tuesday, March 27, 2007 that special animal was a three month old Spaniel/Dachshund mix puppy rescued from Chicago Animal Care and Control that we have named Esther.
Our staff couldn't resist rescuing three month old little Esther. With the saddest look on her face and her backward twisted front legs, it was hard to just walk away and leave her sitting alone in her cage. We knew we were getting into something way over our heads, but in rescuing pets that is the risk we often take. We were working on faith that friends of animals like yourself would have wanted us to rescue her. We jump in the lake not knowing sometimes if we can swim and now we need your help in staying afloat.
Claude Gendreau, DVM, a veterinary orthopedic surgeon at the Veterinarian Speciality Center in Buffalo Grove has agreed to perform surgery to save darling Esther's legs. Dr. Gendreau rarely sees cases that are as bad as this poor little puppy's but he feels confident in being able to restore Esther's legs so that she may walk. He is well-known and highly regarded as one of the best vets specializing in orthopedic and neurosurgery and has graciously agreed to perform this procedure at a significantly reduced rate. (Thanks, Dr. Gendreau!) However, even after a hefty discount the price for this extensive surgery is very high and doesn't take into account any physical therapy or follow-up care that Esther will most definitely need. We face an even greater obstacle because surgery needs to be performed by the end of April before Esther has another growth spurt and her bones become locked in their current positions and are beyond repair. This surgery is now or never.
Being a not-for-profit animal shelter means that money is always tight and we rely very heavily on monetary donations from the public. There is absolutely no way the shelter can scrape together enough money for Esther's surgery in such a short amount of time so we once again turn to the public and ask for your help in making our dream of a happy, running and jumping Esther come true. We have set up a savings fund for Esther's surgery and sincerely hope our Heartland Heros will generously donate whatever they can to help save this adorable puppy's legs.
You can make your tax-deductible contribution to Esther's care via PayPal or mail a check or money order to:
"Esther's Surgery Fund" has been closed - Thanks everybody!
In either case, Heartland will mail your receipt to you. You may purchase multiples to achieve different dollar amounts. Please donate if you are able to, even if it's just a few dollars. Esther depends on YOU! Thanks!!!
If you would like to download an 8 1/2 x 11" poster describing Esther's situation, for your own use or to post so others can know about Esther's situation, click here: Esther's Poster
Heartland Animal Shelter is grateful for all of the contributions that have been made for Esther's special needs. The response from the community for our special girl has touched everyone at Heartland.
It is not possible to predict exactly how much her special care will ultimately cost. Dr. Gendreau advises us that a third surgery may be necessary and physical therapy will also be needed. We will close the fund if & when we are reasonably confident her extraordinary costs will be covered. If there are any "left over" funds, Heartland Animal Shelter will put them aside for future "special needs" animals. Thank you.
