Saturday, September 12, 2009

Willow Begins Acupuncture

Willow is beginning to undergo some treatment that may enable her to walk again. Read about it on our web site. Progress will be posted here.

We need sponsors for additional acupuncture sessions!

Willow got her first exam and began acupuncture treatments on Sept 9th. She was given a hypericum treatment the previous week. You may recall that this is the remedy given to Curious George before his surgery, and he came through with flying colors!

The vet tells us Willow's injuries seem to be consistent with a crushed sacrum and caudal (tail) vertebrae. Before the treatment, Willow had good pain response in the right leg, and slightly less in the left, but absolutely no pain response at all in her tail. She can move it, but can't feel what should be a painful pinch. During treatment, she began twitching all over, was definitely feeling it. So hopefully the healing will reach all those nerves in there. Immediately after the treatment, Willow got right to work cleaning herself, and licking, especially that tail! That was VERY good! We're hopeful this will make a difference for her. The vet did say that it's possible we'll get her walking again, but not urinating on her own. It's too soon to tell.

She'll need a series of treatments before we know if it will help.


Sept 16 - Willow shows some improvement. It's minimal, but the vet was happy that she's still improving and feeling the effects a week post-treatment. She feels more in the left leg, and even some in the tail now. Her legs are definitely stronger, and Karen notes that Willow's acting more confident. She got both needles and infrared this time, with a lot of additional work on the mid-back area.

Sept 24 - The vet saw Willow today. We're seeing the first signs of healing. She definitely feels better, and is getting more feeling in her tail, but it's going to be very slow. Acupuncture is gradually decreasing her pain from the previous injury, and helping with the sore spot in the mid-back. Her tail is definitely more responsive. We don't yet know how much Willow will recover, or how long it will take, but it is slowly making a difference. Her treatment needs to continue, if at all possible.

ALF only has enough for two more treatments. We really need your help. We're asking for sponsorship, one session at a time ($135). Even a smaller donation will help get us closer to one more. Please help us help Willow! Donate by clicking here. Donations are tax-deductible.

Willow also has an eBay angel, who is donating a portion of her profits to Willow's Recovery Fund! This wonderful woman recently saved a pitbull after it had been hit by a car on the freeway during rush hour, and left for dead. The badly injured dog struggled to get up, but eventually made it off the road. Because his owners never came forward to claim him, he was supposed to be put to death, but Lore just couldn't let that happen! She was able to raise funds to treat the severely injured dog, and has now turned her attention to our Willow. Please visit her eBay page to make a purchase. While you're there, remember to thank her for her caring and generous heart! And don't forget to pay it forward, and send this link to your friends, or add it to your Facebook or Myspace page!

"Together we all can make a huge difference!"


Pampered Chef Benefit for ALF

WE GOT AN EXTENSION!
Orders can still be taken through September 28 -
don't wait til the last minute!


Make sure you use the link below, or from our website, to be sure we get credit for the proceeds. It must say that you're shopping for A.L.F!

Hurry, only a couple of days left to take advantage of 20% off specials, and jumpstart your Holiday shopping and baking. It's all for the animals, but it ends September 15th!

Don't miss this opportunity to pamper your family and simplify Holiday baking.

wants to help you create your favorite comfort food so that Animal Loving Friends can provide comfort food for the animals!
Order online Sept 1st - 15th

  1. Click the Pampered Chef link above to begin shopping and direct the proceeds to ALF.
  2. Browse the catalog and choose the items you just can't live without! Don't forget upcoming birthday, wedding, and holiday gifts. September Special: 20% off Stoneware and Metal Bakeware
  3. Get everything you need to fill the freezer with Treats for the Holidays, or Toast the new year with friends, ...it's all for the animals!
  4. Tell your friends and neighbors; who doesn't want to skip the crowded malls?
NOTES:
  • Be sure to provide a Ship To address for online orders
  • Orders placed in person with an ALF Volunteer will be delivered to a Tempe location for pickup, 10-14 days after the close of the program, Sept. 15. Tax rate for orders placed in person is 8.1%