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Andria and Silver first joined Orthodogs, nobody could have predicted
the impact that these two would have on all of us. They quickly
became a much loved pair and we all felt privileged to be able to
share in this amazing relationship. Sadly, as Silver was faced with
what seemed like an endless onslaught of serious health issues,
the financial burden of maintaining Silver's quality of life became
increasingly more difficult for Andria. This was especially true
as many of Silver's medical problems required expensive orthopedic
surgeries and support and it was proving to be too much for Andria,
who is disabled and lives on a fixed income.
As Andria's service dog, Silver had provided her
with a quality of life that she could have never attained on her
own and Andria was determined to provide the same for her beloved
partner, regardless of the cost. As circumstances grew more desperate,
Andria turned to the non profit support group IMOM. IMOM accepted
their case and provided a forum in which funds could be raised for
Silver. It was the amazing outpouring of love and support for Andria
and Silver that was the true inspiration for OSLF.
As funds poured in for Silver, it seemed like one
by one the hurdles were being overcome. But as the support continued
for Silver, we began to notice that there were many other orthopedic
cases seeking financial assistance and despite the desire to help
and the compassion of the volunteers of IMOM, it quickly became
apparent that there were more orthopedic cases then there were available
funds and unfortunately some dogs were being turned away simply
because of limited resources.
Having been long time members of Orthodogs, the
founders of OSLF knew all too well how prevalent orthopedic problems
are in dogs and having each faced at least one orthopedic surgery,
we all knew first hand the financial side of trying to provide our
dogs with the best quality of life possible. The compassion that
we had witnessed towards Andria and Silver gave us the determination
to form OSLF and the confidence to know that this same level of support
would come for other dogs in need. We knew that we had to provide
a place that could put the spotlight on canine orthopedics and the
enormous expenses faced by owners each and every day. We wanted
to provide owners with the same opportunity that we are all lucky
enough to enjoy, and that's the opportunity to provide their dogs
with the quality of life they deserve.
No dog should go untreated or lose their life or
their home simply because of the financial burden that some owners
are forced to struggle with. OSLF was born as a place of hope but
it never would have come to be without Andria and Silver and the
amazing love and compassion that they inspire in others.
Sadly, Silver was not able to overcome all of the
hurdles that she was faced with. She lost her life on May 30, 2004
as a result of complications from her TPLO, subsequent osteosarcoma
and resulting amputation. It is our goal that Silver's beautiful
spirit and the "Silver Lining" that she brought to Andria's
life will continue to shine and will serve as a beacon of hope for
many in need.
In Memory of Silver
Sept 21, 1991 -- May 30, 2004
Dual Service Dog Rottweiler
Seeing Eye and Assistance Dog
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