Brandy Dog Emergency Vet Support Fund

First, I'd like to thank ALL OF YOU who reached out to express your love and support during Brandy's week long medical emergency chaos.  You all kept me sane and
showed me and Brandy so much love! 

So what happened?!

Brandy was initially brought to the vet suffering from fatigue, loss of appetite and
stiffness in joints.  I was not majorly concerned considering she is a senior dog,
although I made the mistake of giving her ibuprofen to help with the pain. 

Initially I was thinking she'd be out in a few hours, but after the vet realized Brandy
was given ibuprofen they advised her to spend several days at the animal
hospital to flush out the toxins and to monitor her.  I was at that point very concerned 
but the vet was confident she would be OK, given her large size...she's a big girl.

Brandy started to respond well but then was suddenty rushed to a nearby medical
facility after her symptoms became increasingly worse and almost fatal.  

106 temp, lame and extremely sick.  

Absolutely heartbreaking and scary.

After a number of invasive tests and everything under the sun to detect 
what was causing her sickness (which at that point was unrelated to the ibuprofen), it was finally confirmed Brandy had been exposed to a tick and tested positive for
Anaplasmosis despite taking precautions for flea and tick prevention.  While I was
somewhat relieved to have an answer, Brandy still required full 24/7 monitoring of 
her vitals due to some of the potential severities of her diagnosis. 

I can fortunately say after providing Brandy with the right medication/antibiotic, her fever decreased and she started to walk and eat again.  After several more days of
treatment, my sister and I were able to bring Brandy home and she is now on the road to recovery!

There is still a road ahead but considering where we are vs. a week ago I am so 
thankful to the staff at Riverside Animal Hospital and BluePearl Animal Hospital
for their diligence in caring for my babe.

Why am I asking for support?

I'd really like to make the focus of my request purely about my dog Brandy; however, 
for anyone that knows me personally understands I've encountered a number of
unusual and unforeseen battles this year which have caused me to be in a 
position to ask for help.  

By no means are you obligated to donate and I appreciate your consideration.  I also
know you may have your own personal situation you are dealing with.  If anything,
thanks for any and all thoughts and outreach!

How will I use the funds?

Brandy's medical bills total $10k+.  Yeah...I know. 

At the time, it was a do whatever it takes to save my best friend, but the reality is 
animal treatment (all medical treatment), especially in NYC is outrageous.  

I am not asking  to raise $10k but honestly any little bit helps.  I also plan to take a
small % of the funds to donate to an animal charity. 

Who is Brandy?

For anyone who doesn't know Brandy, she is my kind, crazy, loving 10 year-old
chocolate lab I've had since a puppy.  Brandy is my best friend, my fur baby and most
tolerant city relocation companion (Arizona --> NYC --> Chicago---> back to NYC).

Brandy seems to have a soothing and lasting impact on whomever she meets - not
just because she is an unusual bear-like 100 lbs dog slowly...very slowly, strutting
around manhattan, but because she can make anyone's day better just by staring into their eyes.

Like many dog owners, I'd do anything for my big brown dog Brandy and I want to
make sure her sunset years are just as glorious as her sunny baby days living in 
Arizona. 

Thank you in advance if you took the time even just to read all of this.  Hug your
dog / pet and loved ones and cherish happy health.

Love,
Melanie and Brandy