What Would You Do?

We have been presented with older dogs recently because of the economy. They cost more - starting with the Vet bills, arthritis medication and even food that changes with age. We've been lucky with a few like Mikey & Giselle (the brother & sister featured a few months ago) who were adopted --- together --- at 10 years old!

On the other hand Misha, 15 years old. He's old, but not sick – he may be nearly blind & deaf, but he's a REALLY happy old guy! But it's very likely he won't be adopted --- and that means that every dollar we spend making his golden years the best we can; those dollars will not replenished through adoption. (Rainbow Bridge Dec 2010)

Then there is Mitzi; she was featured in the last newsletter, we had just begun treating her for a urinary tract infection. I was heartbroken when Dr Rodriquez of Hanover Park Animal Care Center (our beloved Vet) told me she also had Bladder Cancer. She was only 9 years old, but so badly neglected that the former owner would have been oblivious externally as well as internally! On August 24, 2010 Mitzi was no longer comfortable or enjoying her life; I stroked her gently and told her there would be no more pain. She spent only 128 days in foster care and we bought her all the time we could. Total Veterinary cost for Mitzi was $836.60; Grand total including food, supplements, and monthly preventatives is $1157.54!

What would you do when faced with the dilemma --- paying to keep these older dogs alive and well or at best comfortable --- or do you make the fiscally sound decision? What is the fiscally sound decision; it is euthanasia.

Tears roll down my face as I write this; I cry for these dogs who have no one and will not have that forever home they so deserve. I cry in the knowing that I am their "retirement" home; and that I will be the one that will hold them close when their time comes. That time will come sooner if the money runs out!

We had two events in June and one of those rescheduled in September to help raise money; unfortunately due to the weather they were both canceled and we didn't make a dime. The economy is still bad and life is difficult for lots of people which means that donations just aren't coming in and again we're desperate for money!

Please help with a donation so that we can continue to help those Keeshonden that need us; whether they are old, sick, injured or even young and healthy. Without your donation we cannot continue; with you, we can, and DO save lives! Send as much or as little as you can today; please.

Sincerely,

Lysa

Lysa Bea

President, Turbo Kees Foundation