Back in 2012 my doctor recommended that I get a dog, both for companionship and to help get me out in the world. I was isolating pretty badly as a result of AIDS-related depression and a dog seemed just the ticket to help with that.
But before I could give it serious consideration another health issue intervened, and I spent the next couple of years in a prolonged, Byzantine effort to get a hip replacement, which eventually happened. Finally in early 2015 I was fully recovered and ready, and on March 14th of last year I met Dixie and brought her home with me.
Dixie is a sweet and mellow senior dog who completely won my heart the moment we met. I knew she had a heart murmur, but otherwise her bill of health was clean, and I had no idea she would turn out to be a sort of “special needs” companion. During the course of 2015 various issues emerged with her blood (clotting), kidneys and liver, and I willingly put myself into debt to see that these issues were addressed. With the help of daily medications I thought we had things under control, and until now 2016 has been without incident.
Unfortunately this weekend she collapsed twice and had to be hospitalized for prolonged observation. Her blood pressure has been fluctuating wildly between too high and too low and back again, which may have contributed to her collapses. She was released to come home with me yesterday afternoon and is now on additional medications while the doctors at the animal hospital try to determine what else, if else there be, might be troubling Dixie.
All of this is background to the real purpose of this diary: to thank The Marti for organizing and publishing a fundraiser diary yesterday, and to thank all of you kind liberal people who contributed so unselfishly in amounts large and small. I meant to reply to every comment in Marti's diary yesterday, but I was eventually overcome with emotion on top of the fatigue and stress I'd been feeling, and so I didn't manage to thank each of you individually. I hope this diary will help to remedy that.
I have seen the generosity of this community in action many times on behalf of fellow kossacks, and indeed once at first-hand, when I was presented with a Community Quilt made by our beloved Sara R and winglion (Ann) a few years back.
But nothing prepared me for the quick results I saw yesterday in response to a plea for help. Nearly 50 people made donations through PayPal, and several others have promised checks via snail mail. The total I have received so far has been enough to cover Dixie's hospital bill, which was $1,577, and there is even a bit more available to put toward her follow-up bloodwork next week.
I could absolutely not have done this without you, and I am deeply, deeply grateful. Dixie has become such an important part of my life, and our daily walks (she loves her walks) have indeed improved my health, specifically in weight loss and lowered cholesterol, as well as mental health benefits.
You kind, lovely, generous kossacks have done a very, very good thing. Thank you from the depths of my soul!