Hip Help

I am a German Shepherd named Anna. I have had many names over the years starting with Anna Teresa Giarusso, then Anna Teresa Gerard, then Anna Teresa Gerard-Bertelli, then Anna Teresa Pittman, Amulya, Amulyanna, Channa and now, Hip Dysplasia – more a description than an actual name, but it suits my current condition.

I have used movement all my life as my favorite mode of expression, even though I have new ones now! I have danced in big cities, trekked through the Alps for many years, hiked trails in several countries, and shared my love of movement with countless others. There were certain movements that irritated my predisposed hips, but I continued, often pushing the edge of knowing and not knowing what was best for my genetic hip history.

Over the decades I spent a LOT of time and money taking care of these hips using all sorts of modalities with very gifted people, soaking in hot waters, and gulping down the best supplements! Oh, and eating right, never crossing my front legs, and remembering never to jump too high as well. But nature takes its course, as does the effect of time and irritation, and I had my first operation last year. It went relatively well as the hip joint is now pain-free even though the surrounding muscles are still cranky. Especially in the morning.

Now I had hoped to make it to the age of 65 for the second surgery when all Shepherds receive a miraculous thing called Medicare. Since I have spent all my time and money securing a home, helping my two pups, and other shepherds I know, I have been counting on this reward for living as long as I have. But that is eight long, impossible months away, for this second hip is in need.

Perhaps you know the ripple effect? The hip hurts the knee, hurts the ankle, hurts the nervous system that reacts no matter how many deep breaths I take, then making it hard to sleep, hard to remember things and then hard to think straight! And in addition, there are those other supplements called Ibuprofen. Those are easy to get and use and rely on and I really do not want to have to go there again. Truly.

So, I have made the hard decision to return to London for my second hip's health. I need to take another shepherd with me for safety, whom I easily found. A friend who too is in need as she just lost her 17-year-old pup and time away for her seems perfect. So, many of the costs are double this time and it is for this that I need help.

And so, I will go to London, one way or another, as Anna and with dear Angie. I suspect we will laugh and cry our way there and back, riding on waves of deep appreciation, hopes, and even grief. So, I thank you, all of you, so very much, for reading, caring, sharing, and holding me in your fondness and heart. That alone means the world to me.

And I too know the value of giving and receiving as a flow of care. I have built my business on this premise and lived my life in this way as well. It does not come easily for me to ask for financial assistance and yet I know how good it feels to contribute to someone else’s need. So, I share my story in a fun way to be just a bit more transparent about my needs. While I tend to make life an adventure, this journey across the pond to care for my body is hard. Thankfully there are people there who know how to help at literally one third the cost of what I would spend here in the States without insurance.

Your care, in whatever way shape or form it arrives to my heart, is deeply appreciated. Godspeed!

If you are in a position to help financially, you can use the Donate button at the bottom of the homepage of my website! www.thebreathingspace.org