Diana and Ostara - A Priceless Friendship

This is a fundraiser for our friend, Diana, in memory of her dearly beloved, Ostara. Ostara, a longhaired German shepherd, who stole the hearts of everyone she met, died of cancer on January 11, 2022. These two became special friends in 2013, when Diana brought Ostara home as a puppy and who would be trained as her medical service dog. They bonded immediately and their hearts were knit together during many, many adventures; starting with the weekly service dog training sessions, then to caring for an abandoned lizard, to fending off home intruders, to crisscrossing the United States together, to watering the annual vegetable garden (Ostara loved the water from the garden hose as much as the vegetables did). There were swims at the pool for Ostara’s arthritis, and of course, they kept each other company during the pandemic. All along the way, they enjoyed bringing smiles to friends, neighbors and kindly strangers.

As much as Ostara was an inspiration to Diana, Diana was a loving and generous caretaker to Ostara. One of Diana’s attributes that shines through as a friend is her deep sense of commitment to doing things for others. So, it was no surprise that when Ostara was diagnosed with hip dysplasia/arthritis, Diana knew she could not let Ostara suffer. The veterinarians said both hips would need to be replaced, so Ostara had two surgeries and Diana slept on the floor next to Ostara during the six-month healing process (3 months/hip.)!! The first surgery was performed in April and the second was in July 2021, and both were very successful. Ostara was back moving around the neighborhood and feeling like a puppy again, but a few weeks later a hidden cancer would reveal itself. Just before Thanksgiving, Ostara exhibited heavy shallow breathing, which prompted a trip to the ER vet clinic. Imaging revealed fluid in Ostara’s thoracic cavity and they removed 3 liters of fluid! After more imaging and careful pathology, it was diagnosed as lung cancer. It was devastating news, especially after such wonderful success with the hip replacements. But never one to give up hope, Diana, wanting to give Ostara the best care and chance to survive, started her on chemo treatments. There was a dramatic reduction of cancer lesions in the lungs after the initial chemo treatment, which gave Diana hope, but within 7 weeks the lung cancer prevailed.

As a medical service dog, Ostara was a loving and faithful friend during some really difficult days in Diana’s life. The loss of Ostara, has left Diana without the companionship and healing that she needs, and therefore we hope to raise funds for the cost of another medical service dog for her. When Diana was caring for Ostara, it gave her the purpose and strength she needed at times to keep moving forward with her life. In her medical role, Ostara guided Diana through difficult times. But now Diana is alone.

The cost of a new dog with the exceptional skill needed to serve and be trained as a medical service dog is approximately $5000. The cost of obedience training followed by medical service dog training will be at least an additional $15,000. So, our goal is to raise $20,000, but any amount raised will be a blessing and encouragement.

Joy and healing bloom in the mutual care given between ourselves and our animal friends. Diana and Ostara had a priceless friendship, and we are hoping and praying that Diana’s heart will find joy yet again in caring for another of God’s beautiful puppies. Thank you for hearing our story, and I close with one of Diana’s favorite quotes,

“Properly trained, a man can be a dog’s best friend.” - Corey Ford

 

Who is this fundraiser for: Diana Weber

What happened: Ostara, Diana’s trustworthy and beloved medical service dog, passed away due to cancer.

When: Ostara died in Jan. 2022

Why: To raise funds for a new medical service dog for Diana. Ostara provided healing and strength for our friend, Diana, and Diana’s care and concern for dear Ostara, and all of God’s creatures, is an inspiration to us. We would hope to see the joy return to her life with the gift of a new puppy and a new friendship. Sharing kindness and lending a hand never fails to bring joy to the heart of the giver, especially when it’s received with gratitude. Diana and Ostara’s friendship was certainly one of loyalty, tenderness and caring for each other and everyone they met. It is our sincere hope, this GoFundMe page will provide the funds needed to fill the emptiness in Diana’s life with a new medical service dog.