A THANKS for GIVING Story

Ava with her splinted leg

Yesterday, the nation celebrated Thanksgiving embracing different meanings for each person or family. However,  I do know there was one family who was exceptionally grateful on this annual day of thanks.

Earlier this week, I had written an article on Jamie and Lewis Schur’s dog, Ava. Approximately a week ago, a piece of food had fallen onto the Schur’s floor which caused  their three dogs to fight over it. Ava, who weights a mere 4 1/2 pounds, was stepped on by her 75 lb. “sibling” fracturing her right front leg.

The Schur’s  were initially denied veterinary service for this precious little pooch  due to a lack of financial resources. This piece of news was quite devastating because their dogs are members of their family which includes an 11 yr. old daughter, five-year old twins, and an older son (age unknown). Jamie says she and her husband have always done right by her kids.

What were they to do after calling veterinarians and no one was willing to help Ava? It was inconceivable to them that no doctor of veterinary medicine would see Ava, let alone help her.  They made the decision to help Ava themselves until they knew their next move. Lewis realigned her broken leg with the help of their older son. They splint it with popsicle sticks to prevent further damage. It proved to help Ava which allowed her to be in less pain.

Two friends of Jamie suggested to list their plight on the Go Fund Me website where people can ask for money for all types of causes. Jamie told me asking others for money is not her thing and was reluctant to do so but realized they were out of options.

After initially posting Ava’s story on the site – ,GoFundMe for Ava, the backlash began. People commented Ava needed to be euthanized since they couldn’t afford to take care of her medical problem. To read this was very upsetting to this mother. She relayed to me that when they rescued their dogs, she and Lewis weren’t in any financial bind they are in now and want people to understand they did not bring their dogs into a house of poverty.  They fell into a financial slump like so many others have in the nation.

Jamie was set to remove the page after reading the negative opinions which left her in shock and utterly confused but her son became ill and had to be seen by a doctor ASAP.  Upon returning home, Jamie couldn’t believe when she saw people had donated money.  The donated amount allowed them to finally have a vet look at and diagnose Ava at the Bernville Animal Clinic located in Berks County, PA.

The vet informed Jamie and Lewis about an operation that could repair the transverse fracture in her leg but there was no guarantee it would work. Ava could still lose her leg. The other option was to see an orthopedic specialist.

Over the next several days, people donated money to Ava’s fund but not enough for an operation and seeing the specialist was out of the question.  Each day as people gave money, Jamie was overwhelmed by their generosity.

Some people donated items to be auctioned off with the entire proceeds going to Ava’s fund.

Jamie struggled emotionally over what was transpiring before her eyes. She was grateful for the help but was hurt by the backlash. She was deeply moved over the plethora of donations but was unsure what to do in the event the operation wasn’t successful in saving Ava’s leg. She wondered how the donors would feel if the end result was an amputation. Jamie felt conflicted. Nearly $500 had been raised at that point.

Her struggles were soon laid to rest after an article in the Reading Eagle resulted in more money pouring into Ava’s Go Fund Me  account.

Jamie and Lewis visited the Senior Vet, Dr. Steve Stephen, at Bernville Vet Clinic to review their next steps. Upon further evaluation, it was decided too much time had lapsed since Ava’s leg was broken. This has led to scar tissue forming which wouldn’t allow for stretching of Ava’s muscles and realigning her broken leg bone. Even if they did move ahead with the surgery, it would be too tricky, complex, and complicated because of her tiny veins and blood vessels. Plus, the vet didn’t want to put Ava through anymore than she already has been.

The solution they agreed on was amputation of Ava’s leg.  I asked Jamie how Ava’s spirits were doing during her tough ordeal.

” Ava’s spirits are good!” says Jamie.  “She is a diva puppy.” I was so glad to hear she wasn’t suffering from depression.  “She NEVER sits directly on the floor. She will sit on anything that is on the floor, kids clothing, blanket, a coloring book, but NEVER the actual floor.”

“So now that she is getting pampered and carried everywhere, she is loving it. She is not in any pain that she expresses, other then now and then she may move it the wrong way and whimper.  She has gotten very adjusted to not using that leg, and goes up and down the steps like a champ.”  Earlier in the week, she even woke me up at 2 AM licking my face and trying to play. Despite the broken leg, Ava is doing great.”

It appears Ava will adjust to life as a tripawd very well. She is scheduled for her pre-op blood work this Monday, December 1st. Her surgery is tentatively scheduled for December 5th provided they have the necessary funds.

The cost of the operation will vary depending on the difficulty of the amputation due to her tiny size. The Schur’s could be charged between $900 – $1500. Dr. Stephen has even offered to look into charitable grant money to help them. A major issue associated with these grants is not receiving them in a timely manner.

The generosity of friends and strangers alike has been outstanding. The goal of raising $1500 was met yesterday, Thanksgiving Day!

Since they have reached the necessary high-end amount for the operation.  Jamie says “any funds that do not get used during her surgery will be donated to another animal who is in need of help. We will post that donation for everyone to see.”

Jamie told me the following: I just want to thank all of the kind people, perfect strangers, who have come out of nowhere to help. Gail for her donation of the sold feather, Anne for all her work, Trisha Bootsma, whom I have never even spoken to, for her donation of the bracelets, and my friend Jody, who started all of this.”

“My family cannot thank each and every one of them, along with all the other donors, enough.  As we struggle through our hard times, it is a great lesson to my children, to show them how very kind people really can be in a time of need.”

People know how thankful you and your family are, Jamie.

They are preparing themselves for the healing process after Ava gets her leg amputated next week. The healing process will include the entire family.

I’m thankful strangers have come together to help a dog and her family in need. I’m thankful there is a solution that will finally be implemented to help this cherished pup.

THANKS for GIVING!

 

 

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