Lemonade stand with Bailey and Clint. The kids stayed in the cold sun and froze, and got super sun-burned! But they didn't give up...they raised over $185. They stayed open from 12-5pm. Bailey is a real sweetie too. She is so polite and intelligent and articulate... most of the cars who stopped felt like they were interacting with an adult. She is sweet and beautiful, inside and out.
Clint has decided that he wants to try to convince 50 people to donate or hire him for $10. I convinced Jeff to agree to $500 dollars, and between my family and Jeff's parents and sister , we have come up with another $500...I love my family...It's not so much for Rex, but for Clint. So, we found a Vet who would be willing to help us out if we come up with $1800. It's going to be a lot of work for Clint. He is going to have a Hot Chocolate Sale on Wednesday, and he wants to distribute flyers to friends and neighbors...We will see how it goes. Please contact Cottonwood Animal Hospital if you would be willing to help...and if you could pass the word along...It would really be amazing if enough people cared. Rex is Clint's best friend. I know it's a lot to ask...some people will think it's ridiculous...but I think some people will really understand. I hope so. He is one of the best dogs in the world. I can't stop thinking about the movie Homeward Bound when Shadow comes limping up at the end. So loyal and sweet. Dogs can teach us a lot.
I am having a very difficult time trying to figure out what to do for Rex. I am very emotional while I write this because for the past 6 1/2 years, Rex has been the very best family dog I have ever known. He never barks or drives the neighbors crazy, he is sweet and patient with all the kids in the neighborhood, he is a best friend to Clint and Derek when it seems like the rest of the world is against them. At 103 lbs. he is an intimidating figure to strangers, and his presence makes me feel safe from potential seen and unseen dangers. He is always available to be a friend, go for a walk, or take a dive in the kiddie pool if anyone in our family ever needs some company.... Sunday he tore a ligament in his back leg that will require surgery. The cost is $2200. Needless to say that this would put a huge strain on our finances, and on my relationship with Jeff who has never really warmed up to Rex. Rex is not in pain, but he has no use of his back left leg. With his size and weight, it won't be long before his other back leg starts to have problems from overuse. I have been trying to get him to slow down, but he loves to play and hop around on those three legs. I don't know what to do. I have contacted Animal Sanctuary to see if they could take him, or help us out. I am ashamed as a dog owner to not be able to take care of him the way he deservers to be taken care of. I spent $170 at the Vet yesterday for his diagnosis and anti-inflamtory medication. We just are barely getting by as it is and we have spent the last 2 years finally paying off credit cards. I don't want to go back there again. Is that selfish? I know some people would say that he is only a dog...but he is also part of our family. So do I let him just hobble around until his other leg goes out...do I take out another credit card to pay for it and then in a year or so come up with another $2200 for when his other leg goes out?(Which 2 diffrent vets have told me that there is a 90% chance of this being the case). What do I do?
