Pet Emergency Fund in Honor of Sawyer James Teske

Tragedy struck my little family in early October, when I was in the hospital undergoing emergency gallbladder removal surgery, Sawyer broke his back. Coming out of anesthesia, my wonderful neighbors, who had so generously jumped in to help care for my pets as I rushed to the hospital, informed me that Sawyer was in Minneapolis at an emergency veterinary specialist. They thought he had meningitis. In fact, he has blown five discs in his back.

Still drowsy from anesthesia, I agreed to a $15,000 surgery in the hopes that my handsome boy could be restored to health. He was ready for discharge within a couple of days, presenting me with a new challenge: having just had surgery, I could not care for Sawyer, who weighed more than the allowed lifting limit of 20 pounds and was incontinent.

I contacted his local veterinarian to see if he could be boarded. There were/are no medical boarding services available locally or in the Twin Cities--an hour away. She said she would think about it and called back in a few hours to inform me that Sue, a county employee who runs a charitable fund for pets (or their owners) in need, would be in touch. A short time later, I heard from Sue, who had already rallied her volunteers and had a local nurse, Janill (pictured with Sawyer) who had agreed to care for Sawyer while I was healing. I was astounded. Who does this?

Though Sawyer remains partially paralyzed I feel the need to do something in response the extraordinary generosity. I have created this GOFUNDME account for the charitable group who supports so many others who cannot financially or physically care for their pets in their time of need—much like what happened to me.

Though I am hemorrhaging financially from Sawyer's surgery and subsequent weekly rehab and necessary supplies, I am grateful to have the means to help him. Others do not. And, these people who have helped me with Sawyer stand in the gap for many less fortunate people and pets. So, to be clear: this fundraiser is NOT for Sawyer or me. It is in his honor to give back to the people and fun who help others like him and me.

Here’s more about Sue and the fund:

I started this fund like 15-16 years ago (much smaller then) when I heard about two dogs that died one after the other. The owner couldn’t get any veterinarian to accept the dead bodies of the dogs. She wasn’t asking for the ashes or anything; she only wanted to have them respectfully managed.

Back then, none of the vets would help this woman. A county worker found out this woman was distraught and driving around with her two precious dogs dead in the trunk of her car.

The worker knew I was involved with rescue and asked for help. I put a note out via email to several people asking for donations to help. We quickly were able to help this woman provide a dignified disposal of her beloved dogs’ bodies after the agony of seeking help even as she was grieving their passing.

That shouldn’t have had to happen. No pets who clearly need euthanasia should suffer, nor should their owners be forced to watch their loved one suffer because they can’t pay for that final appointment.

The fund was created because of those two deceased dogs in a trunk. All these years later, I think of that scenario. Life could be so very different for any of us. We ourselves could have had to go through those devastating events.

I don’t think any of us here are too rich in finances, yet we have big hearts to help give a hand up to someone in need. A dignified end (euthanasia) rather than suffer. To not surrender their best friend because they can’t get them shots and the apartment complex requires it.

We are a safety net of about 60 folks (connected by email) who provide monetary and physical support to those pets (and owners) who need us. Donations pay veterinarians for their services and buy supplies for those providing in-home care for pets in need.

In response the extraordinary generosity, I have created a GOFUNDME account for the charitable group who arranged care for Sawyer and support so many others who cannot financially or physically care for their pets in their time of need—much like what happened to me. Many family and friends have asked me how they can help. I’ve lost track of who asked so I’m sending this message broadly.

While I am hemorrhaging financially, I am grateful to have the means to help Sawyer. Others do not. And these people who have helped me care for Sawyer stand in the gap for many people. I’ve shared more about that on the GOFUNDME page. This fundraiser is NOT for me or for Sawyer. It is in his honor and for those who like him need help.