Exciting Note to Readers: Zena’s mom is already working hard to Pay It Forward for the next family that needs help. She will dedicate proceeds from her annual “Viva La Diva” concert on April 12, 2025 to Ellie’s Rainy Day Fund! Keep an eye on our Facebook Page and in future newsletters for details.
You kept my family together. I could not be more grateful. My Zena is home, walking, running, snuggling and jumping. She is so happy, and has so much gratitude in her eyes.
You saved my baby and me. I do not know what I would have done if I had had to euthanize Zena. I am eternally grateful for Ellie’s Rainy Day Fund and every kind supporter who donates to it.
The evening of January 6th, 2025, was one of the scariest nights of my life! I thought I was going to have to euthanize my baby.
Every time I travel, I feel a sense of foreboding. This time was no different., I had just returned to the States with my family after the holidays. I walked into my house, and my sweet Frenchie Zena struggled to come to greet me—rear legs dragging behind her. She’d had the best in-home care during my travels. They’d called the day before to alert me. But it was still heartbreaking.
My mind flashed to several years ago. I returned from a trip and went to get my first baby, Zula, but she couldn’t greet me. The place where she was being boarded had turned her out into the yard with 7 larger dogs— unsupervised—and she’d been killed.
So when I landed at the airport, I tore home, picked up my baby girl, and headed for the veterinary hospital! I quickly learned my biggest fear was happening. Zena was stricken with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). This spinal condition affects French bulldogs more commonly than other breeds. The discs between the vertebrae degenerate or herniate, causing pain, discomfort, and nerve damage. If left untreated, IVDD can lead to paralysis.
The doctor explained the condition and surgical procedure that was mandatory to save her. The cost was between $10K-15K. I was overwhelmed. I am financially tapped out from the seven prior surgeries this girl has needed for a variety of issues during the 5 years of her young life.
I know it sounds tough. And it has been—for us both. But Zena is a fighter. And she’s experienced joy and love throughout her challenges. She’s given it as well. I have ZERO privacy in the bathroom. She never lets me out of her sight. I have little room for my head on our pillow at night. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
All this has brought us to an unbreakable bond. We give each other light, life, laughter, and joy.
As I sat there in the vet hospital, all I saw were visions of Zula (the Frenchie who was killed) and now Zena, and I felt like the worst pet parent. I cried my heart out
and called my (adult)daughters to share that Zena likely isn’t coming back home and that humane euthanasia was my only option.
My daughters were still on the phone (as I cried even harder) as the ER veterinarian shared the information of Ellie’s Rainy Day Fund. Their beautiful donors –YOU—were going to help me avoid this devastating loss.
You kept my family together. I could not be more grateful. My Zena is home, walking, running, snuggling and jumping. She is so happy, and has so much gratitude in her eyes.
You saved my baby and me. I do not know what I would have done if I had had to euthanize Zena. I am eternally grateful for Ellie’s Rainy Day Fund and every kind supporter who donates to it.
