Community of Support for Ashley and Abby

My sweet, kind, tender-hearted and beautiful sister Ashley Meagher is many things, perhaps most especially a whole heartedly, devoted and loving dog mom. When people we love are struggling, we show up for them in meaningful ways to help alleviate some of the stresses and support them through their hardships. Ashley, lives in Toronto on a single income. Anyone living on a single income can likely understand the concerns of being under prepared financially for when times are tough - this is especially true in an urban centre like Toronto where the cost of living is so high.

My sister Ashley has been carving her own path in Toronto as a geologist working for EXP for the last 8+ years, we are proud of her accomplishments but the downside is that she has no family nearby for support. Five years ago Ashley welcomed what was to become the greatest love of her life into her home and heart, her beloved Saint Bernard Abby. Abby is Ashley’s family and Abby has been medically classified as an emotional support dog. Abby is so well cared for, and is a gentle giant, sweet natured to her core and is often on job sites with Ashley sporting her doggy safety vest. They are a package deal, where one goes so goes the other.

 

Ashley got the worst news any pet owner can get yesterday. Abby has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. This was unexpected, shocking news at 5 years of life to receive and Ashley is understudy devastated. Ashley is going to need sometime to go over  options and make some hard decisions regarding eventual end of life and end of life care. It is all really difficult as Abby despite some stiffness in a leg is still her happy go lucky "pooh bear" self.

 

I know my sister and Ashley is going to have difficulty functioning and will need sometime off of work to cope, spend quality time with and somehow find a path to heal from losing such a big earthly piece of her heart. Ashley already has been and is expected to be faced with some significant veterinary and medication costs (which are significantly higher in Toronto). The cost of diagnosis alone was astronomical.

 

Some people may not understand a go fund me page for a family member and animal care but if you have been lucky enough to love and to be adored by a four legged family member you know what a difficult time this can be, especially when you are on your own.

 

With the help of family and friends I am hoping to try and help relieve some of the financial stresses Ashley may have while going through what is the most difficult time of her life to date. I absolutely understand and respect that the cost of living is significant and that there are many worthy causes in a world that is so troubled and that money is both precious and tight, please feel no pressure to donate.

 

Messages, thoughts, prayers, love, good vibes and campaign shares are just as appreciated and needed. Whatever positive and healing energy you believe in and send along to Ashley and Abby it is valued beyond measure. I appreciate your help in making Ashley feel supported. This campaign is a way to bridge the distance and bring a virtual community to Ashley and show that she is loved and cared for.

 

This page is being set up as an act of love. I definitely do not take reaching out to our network of family and friends lightly, but I will do anything I can to make things a little easier for my sister at this time and if you feel you are able to give a small amount, we send our most heartfelt thanks to you.

 

With love, Melanie Beaton