WELCOME TO THE NELLIE FUND PAGE
Hello, everybody, I'm Sid. You've probably seen me on the Dogs for Adoption list. But
this isn't about me. It's about my best friend, Nellie (pictured above). She needs your help.
Nellie was born with patella luxation and crooked leg bones caused by irresponsible breeding. She can get around but it's difficult, and if this condition isn't treated it can get worse. Veterinarians, including an orthopedic surgeon, have determined that surgery should be performed to correct it.
As you can imagine, this will be expensive, really stretching the SPCA's finances. But the SPCA volunteers don't want Nellie to go through life like this.
Nellie doesn't complain but I know she must be uncomfortable and maybe worse. She never would ask for help herself, so I've designated myself as her "spokes dog" to go to all of you who love dogs for financial support. Any amount you can give will be greatly appreciated by the SPCA, Nellie, and me, and it's tax deductible.
I know I can count on you. Thanks so much!
Sid
Click here for a short video of Nellie walking away from the camera - you can see her hop as her knees go in and out. If you
watch her left leg you will see it really "give way".
This picture
is taken above her and shows the other guys "normal" stances, but shows how bowed her poor little legs are.
Update 8/27 from Lisa Reid: I took her in this morning - they will call later when the surgery is complete - lets hope and pray all goes well. Sid rode over with us this morning and escorted Nells into the clinic. They were both wisked away to meet Doctor Welch's assistant Vet. The vet tech is really trying to get him interested in both dogs! Sid came back home with me and is waiting for news too!
Update 8/27 (later that day) from Lisa Reid: Nellie's surgery went well - she should be able to come home in a couple of days - it was NOT as extensive as was thought - no bone wedges, no plates! The vet who helped Dr. Welch with the surgery is actually having his family come to meet Nellie - he has three kids 11, 8 and 4 - and he may want to apply to adopt her!
Update 9/1 from Lisa Reid: Nellie returned to the kennel on Thursday. She has beautiful yellow bandages and is just starting to move around a bit more. She has a pain patch so she is pretty comfortable. Although I was glad to see her, I do not really know what to make of her new "attire". Nells will go back to the hospital on Tuesday to have a recheck. Until then she needs to learn to get around a bit more, but not too much! I will be here to give her all the encouragement she needs.
Update 9/6 from Lisa Reid: Over the weekend Doctor Cather filled out an application to adopt Nellie.
Patty and Dave did the home visit - a beautiful place in the country with his wife, three kids and another older dog,
Scooter. On Tuesday I took Nellie back for her recheck, his assistant (the blonde in the picture) and the WHOLE hospital staff were so happy to see her. I stayed while they took her bandages off - Dr. C was smiles from ear to ear! We'd like to thank the whole staff at The Animal Medical Center of Frederick County not only for Nellie but for the great things they did for Crimson and Scout too. Dr. Cather assisted Dr. Welch in all of the surgeries. They are very pleased with her progress so far.
The photos are (L->R): Doctor Cather and his
vet tech - bandagesoff - walking - Sid and Nellie before
she
left.
There are two convenient ways to make your tax deductible donation:
To donate online click one of the two below banners and be sure to designate the funds to the Nellie Fund:
SPCA of Northern Virginia
P.O. Box 100220
Arlington, VA 22210-3220
Please check back regularly as we will be posting updates on their condition, new pictures, and of course how much has been raised towards their surgery and how much more is needed.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to all the supporters of this special donations appeal!
This page was last updated on 10/21/07.