Layla, a little 8 pound Chihuahua, had big problems. Michelle Woods noticed her dog was behaving strangely back in March. Layla was acting skittish and scared: she was losing weight and dropped down to 5 pounds.
“I took Layla to the vet and they did x-rays on her,” Michelle said. “They told me it looked like there was a needle in Layla’s stomach and that they would have to do exploratory surgery, which would have cost $2,500.”
Michelle was scared to have the surgery done because she wasn’t sure how it would go and she couldn’t afford the expensive procedure. She wasn’t sure who to talk to or where to go from there and she was debating having Layla put down because she couldn’t afford the surgery. Michelle contacted ART and was put in contact with Susan Corbitt, who recommended Layla be taken to Acredale Hospital. Susan was also able to assist Michelle with getting the medications that Layla needed, as well.
“Susan was a huge help and I can’t say enough good things about her,” said Michelle. “She gave us so much help and information about which doctors to talk to.”
Layla was treated for a urinary tract infection and was then started on steroid medication.
“She started to get better after I gave her the steroids and she is now acting like her old self,” Michelle reported. “She is doing great!
“I just thank God that she didn’t have that surgery and that we got a second opinion,” Michelle continued. “Whatever was in those x-rays is still there and unrelated.”
Michelle noted that she tells people all the time about ART. “The help ART has given has meant the world to me. When I had a decision to make about putting my animal down because I couldn’t afford the medical costs, ART didn’t hesitate to help. I feel so blessed for the outreach and support we have received. There are not enough words to say how grateful we are.”
Thanks to ART’s support, Layla was able to get healthy again and remain a part of the family.