Our sweetheart, Beatrix, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma a little over a week ago, and had her front right leg amputated this past Thursday.  Things moved quickly, and with her pain in mind and the information I found on tripawds.com the decision was a simple one, but costly. 

I have seen huge variances in prices on amputation surgery.  We chose a vet who uses lasers as his primary scalpel, which I imagine added to our cost.  So, now, we will attempt to pay off a fat credit card bill so that whatever comes next we have the option to proceed or not (chemotherapy, radiation, hydrotherapy, etc.).

I know that when we have animals join our families we must take responsibility for them on all accounts, including financially.  I have also seen a great outpouring from friends and family who want to be supportive in any way they can. 

The night before surgery, we held an intimate "Bone Voyage" party for Beatrix.  I suppose we were still uncertain of what we were getting into and were looking to have friends around us.  Plus, despite the pain, Beatrix is a huge flirt and had a great time.  We did manage to raise some money from friends who surprised us with cheques.  We certainly hadn't asked for anything from them, but they did reach out.  

I wonder if anyone has creative fundraising ideas?  Ones that don't put our friends and family on-the-spot, but that welcome their involvement in the surgery and recovery of our loved ones.  And how about the ethical dilemma?  Is it wrong to ask people for money in a situation like this?  Is there a right and a wrong way to go about it? 

Would love to hear people's stories!   

So pleased to see so many loving people out there celebrating their incredible dogs.