Abby
Success Stories
Abby
TN - 2016
From 12 to 30 years of age I was a very outgoing person. My biggest achievement was singing. Winning awards, performing on many popular TV shows in the Cincinnati Ohio area, and having the privilege to sing with many Country music stars, like Ernest Tubb, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, and even Rosemary Clooney. After raising my two children alone, I was working hard to build a good pay and to have some retirement savings. So I started singing again with some musician friends. Twenty years ago, I started having some health problems. Fifteen years ago, I was told I had an autoimmune disease that destroyed my thyroid, my cholesterol, and caused me to develop type 2 diabetes. My life changed.
Living with panic attacks, and depression, feeling isolated and alone, trying to hold onto any job I could or was allowed. Twelve years ago a friend had a Shih Tzu named Scarlet and she was having puppies. My friend wanted me to have one. I told her, I didn't know, because it was hard enough to love myself. Well, I told her if Scarlet had a blonde female, maybe. Six puppies later and only one blonde female. When I went to see them, the little blonde female came right up to me! Two weeks later she came home with me and my Grandson named her Abby. My little Abby gave me joy to come home to, someone to love me and she couldn't wait to see me. Watching her grow up from a baby has truly been adventurous. She loves to run across fields, jump in pools or anywhere with water, and she really loves to take road trips.
Before Christmas, the vet told me Abby has Cushings Disease. I was devastated. Because my illness hindered me from making a good salary for fourteen years, the amount I paid into social security benefits was minimal. Living on Social Security now, I am unsure of Abby’s future care. To pay for her medication for the rest of her life, I am training for a part-time job through a Senior’s program, but I need time to build up some reserves to handle this for the rest of her life.
Through a friend, I learned about Brown Dog Foundation. Carol has been my rock. I have learned so much with her help. She has been a blessing from God. Abby started her medication five days ago. I am so thankful she is getting her medical care. I have to know I am doing the right thing, for I have always tried to be a good steward with the blessings God has given me. I don't want Abby to suffer. I want her to live out her life until God is ready for her.
My thankful gratitude to Brown Dog Foundation. I want to help in any way I can, so they can be the advocate for others in need.
For more information about Cushings Disease, visit Doctors Foster & Smith's Pet Education.
