"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive." ~Gilda Radner
I first got Odie about two weeks before Christmas. I had been longing for a dog for a while, and my boyfriend took notice. He took me to the Baldwin Park animal shelter in LA county so that I could choose my new friend. He had to be small do to the small apartment I live in, but I do love big dogs. We were there for an hour walking back and forth between the kennels looking for the right dog. Each time we thought we found one, he or she was either reserved or not ready. Then we came across a kennel that we had passed numerous times and overlooked. Inside was a small, nervous, two year old chihuahua. Me and my boyfriend loved him and new he was the one. The first few weeks of having him, he seemed very meek and a little sick.
Time passed and he completely changed. He became an energetic dog that always wanted to play. We were always chasing each other around the house and playing fetch and tug-a-war. He greets me with extreme excitement everyday I come home from my classes. He knows how to sit, lay, come, and stay. He also knows some cool tricks like play dead, high five, and jump. He is very friendly and very quiet. I guess you could compare his mentality to a golden retriever. Because I can't see my boyfriend that often, Odie has become my best friend when he is away. He is a fun-loving dog and has made me such a happier person. I love him for it
Just today, 4-24-08, everything changed. We were on the bike trail, and I was riding my skateboard while he followed like we always do. We were almost to the point where we turn around and go back home, when we came up to a girl with two large German Shepherds. Before I could even think, one of them lunged at Odie, and had him locked in his jaws like he was a rabbit. Both me and the girl held the dogs head trying to get him to drop Odie. Finally he did, but Odie didn't get up. I scooped him up and started to ride home. I found a shady spot and set him down to look over the damage. He was awake, but wasn't getting up, and I could see he was having trouble breathing. I burst out crying, not knowing what to do. By some miracle, a security truck happened to be driving down the trail, and I was able to get a ride home. I rushed Odie to the local animal hospital and waited for an hour while the vet took X-rays. The vet was amazed that nothing was broken, but some of his ribs on his right side had been dislocated. He had a puncture wound in one of his lungs and so he was in critical care. Air was escaping and so they needed to surgically install a drain to remove the air going into his body. It was either surgery or they would have to euthanize him. The surgery will be tonight or tomorrow morning
I'm telling this story because not even me and my boyfriend combined will be able to pay they medical bill. Just for today, the bill was just above $1,400. He will need to stay at the hospital anywhere from three days to two weeks for constant medical care. The cost is $587 dollars a day.
I was in such a rush to get Odie to the hospital that I did not get the name of the woman walking the dogs. All I know was that she was blonde, so that doesn't help when filing a police report.
I'm asking for anyone that can spare anything to please send it to help Odie. I know many of your are also low on money, but even if it is just $1 it will help us. Your help is needed and will be greatly appreciated. Any extra money we receive will be donated to the Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control.
We do not have a paypal account because the type of account we need (personal premier or business account) has a monthly bill attached, and, as you can see, we are low on money. I know this is a major inconvenience for many of you, but please if help us if you can spare anything at all.
Odie is home, so the bill stands at $2,350. Please, if you can, aid us in this hefty bill. Thank you all for your support, and if it's not to much, tell others about us.
Again, thank you
6-1-08
Odie is doing great. He runs, jumps, and wags his tail just like he used to. His energy is pretty much back. His ribs are still a little tender though. Thank you to everyone who has donated and supported us. We still have over half of the bill to pay off, so if you have anything to spare, even change, we would be grateful.
11-12-08
Odie is kickin it old school. He now has a younger brother named Baloo. Its nice to see them running around and playing. They both love to eat each others food and sleep on the couch. Our bill is now at 300$. We've almost paid off the entire Care Credit, its taken us a while but we'll keep on keepin' on. Love, Hugs and Kisses to everyone.
Any donations can be sent to this address
Serena Saylors
27520 North Sierra Highway
apt# J-205
Santa Clarita, CA, 91351
We have paid off the hospital which was 900 dollars, so people wishing to donate can no longer pay through the hospital. We still have quite a bit left with the credit care so donations are much apreciated.
If you want to make sure that this is not a scam, here is the information for the Canyon Country Animal Hospital where you can get Odie's information
"I talk to him when I'm lonesome like; and I'm sure he understands. When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands; then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat. For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes, but never a friend like that." ~W. Dayton WedgefarthÂÂ
