stella’s story

Well, the beach is literally shitty, so I’m keeping the pups away for a bit. Tomorrow, we’re taking A Dog’s Beach on the road as we take a trip up to Santa Cruz for the 4th weekend. Stay tuned for pics from dog beaches in Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz and other CA coastal towns!

In the meantime, I want to share a story and cry for help from friends of a dear friend. They rescued an abused dog a while back, and after taking her to the vet realized the 6-month old puppy (Stella) had severe hip dysplasia on both hips and an improperly healed fractured paw. They never considered surrendering the pup to the pound and kept her regardless of the long and expensive road ahead of her.

So with the first of three $3,000 surgeries recently completed, they are in need of some help paying for vet care. They created a fund with the vet’s office so anyone can contribute directly – any amount you can contribute ~ even $5 would help.

Below is a flyer created by the family’s daughter, and I’ve highlighted Stella’s story below that for easier reading. Stella isn’t a Dog Beach dog, but she’s a San Diego dog who was adopted by a generous San Diego family. If you feel so inclined, click on the flyer for information on how to contribute.

Thanks!

Jen, Tempest & Riptide

Stella’s Story
I’m not really sure of my beginnings although at some point in my short puppy life I broke my right ankle and nobody fixed it so now it’s crooked and shorter than my left front leg (see the photo above with my sister Luna). I’m probably only 6 months old and still growing. My life in Normal Heights began sometime late April when a guy got me off of craigslist for free. About a week after I arrived I ended up tied up on a very, very short leash next to the building with a bowl of water and an old computer chair. My ribs were showing and my muscles were getting weak from lying around all the time. Not to mention that I became dejected and didn’t really respond to anything anymore. There was a nice woman who walked her dog by me everyday and she’d always talk to me and told me it broke her heart to see me tied up like I was.

On May 14th, 2009 this lady offered $30 dollars to take me home, and luckily the guy I was with let me go home with her. This is when I was named Stella, meaning Star in Italian. It was the best, she gave me food regularly, treats, walks, bones, toys and a nice soft bed. Plus I wasn’t leashed anymore and got to sleep in the house. And I got a new big sister, a dog named Luna and two cats, Sushi & Maki, who I know will like me when I have less puppy energy. In the first week, my new mom took me to the vet for all my shots, I got microchipped and spayed and a new collar and leather leash. Then mom took me to see the orthopedic vet about my broken paw. She wanted to get it fixed for me so I could run and play normally. This is when she found out that I had severe hip dysplasia and would be crippled by the time I was 3 years old if I didn’t have surgery. So the afternoon of June 23rd I had a triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) on my left hip. It cost my mom 2,970 dollars and in three weeks I need my right hip done costing the same amount. When my hips heal then I get my bum right front ankle fixed. This will cost another 3K.

So as you can see, my mom really could use some help paying for my surgeries and we’d really, really appreciate your generosity. So whatever amount you can spare no matter how small or how large would be awesome! I send you lots of licks & love from the bottom of my heart and the tips of my furry paws. Oh yeah, my mom said to mention that I have the sweetest, loving disposition and everyone that meets me falls in love.

Love, Peace & Happiness to all!

Stella