Hayley Botkin
We want to thank Hayley Botkin for doing a Facebook fundraiser for Ellie’s Rainy Day Fund in memory of her beloved miniature dachshund, Phoebe. She was a hound dog through and through, chasing every yard intruder out with fury. But her sweet, soulful eyes and snuggly demeanor won over everyone she encountered. She brought her family endless laughter and joy, and was especially close to her litter mate brother, Zeke, who is still wondering where his lifelong playmate and security blanket went.
Phoebe recently died after a 7-month battle with Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA), a devastating autoimmune disease in which the body attacks and destroys its own red blood cells. It is an extremely complicated, merciless and costly disease to treat, often requiring hospitalization, extensive lab work, blood transfusions and costly medications.
Even though it was a tremendous hardship and the outcome was not what we so hoped for, I am very grateful that we were able to make the choice to give her the best chance possible to beat this disease. Many families faced with critical diagnoses like IMHA have to make the alternate choice to immediately euthanize their beloved pet as initial treatment costs are high. Ellie’s Rainy Day Fund strives to prevent families from being forced into that decision. We feel compelled to help other families to stay together through saving their pets’ lives as an ongoing way to honor and remember Phoebe..