Woody's Love Story
Without the supporters of Ellie’s Rainy Day Fund, Woody would have lost his leg…and then when the other one went, his life. You are all such a huge blessing. How can I express what this means to our family? We are forever grateful for your keeping our family together and we intend to do whatever we can to help you help the next family as well.
A Letter from Woody's Mom
Picture my son asking EVERY week for a dog. Think about my husband who struggles with MS, wanting to make his son happy, you could see us also still grieving over our faithful German shepherd whom we lost several years ago, wondering if we would ever find a dog who could be as great as he was. Now look at me, worried about all our medical bills but believing with all my heart that adding a furry member to our family would bring us all the joy we had been needing. My husband and I always grew up around dogs, and the house seemed empty without one.
Late last year, enter Woody, an adorable 4 month old half-boxer/half-German shepherd who was with a rescue group after being one of seven siblings removed from a home with neglectful conditions. Who could look into those eyes and not fall in love? Of course, he instantly stole all of our hearts!
How could he not? Sleeping in such crazy positions with his tongue hanging out, legs straight up in the air, makes us laugh. Barking to tell us when it’s time to play. Playing ball with my son and lying right next to him when my son plays with his Legos. Chewing on everything he can find, his sad eyes make you feel too guilty to stay mad! And the best part? He lays on all of us! He was such a cuddler as a puppy, and even now loves to lay on your feet. When my husband is struggling with a difficult day, all that snuggling really lifts his spirits. When I’ve had a hard day, his energy and sweet spirit keeps me going.
So, when out of the blue, Woody started limping, we were concerned. Soon his foot was turning out at odd angles. The vet said he has a rare condition that makes him grow too fast for his own bones. He was diagnosed with a severe Valgus Malformation in both of his front legs. He still did his best to get around and try to play, but it was obviously very uncomfortable.
We didn’t think he was in pain, but the surgeon said he was. We were told that if he didn’t have expensive surgery immediately he would eventually become so injured he would need amputation. And before long he’d lose his other leg as well. We had no idea how we would be able to do this. We knew it wasn’t an option to let him suffer. We knew how much we loved him. And we knew he was brought into our lives, not only to brighten our days, but for us to brighten his as well.
Without the supporters of Ellie’s Rainy Day Fund, Woody would have lost his leg…and then when the other one went, his life. You are all such a huge blessing. How can I express what this means to our family? We are forever grateful for your keeping our family together and we intend to do whatever we can to help you help the next family as well. As he regains his use of his leg following surgery, we know that Woody is grateful to you as well. Ellie’s has allowed us to care for him and given him a chance at being a puppy!
