A local Denver family joyfully went to a local humane society to find a new addition to their home. Delighted, they found a 10 week old small shepherd/retriever mixed puppy. She was golden and black, loved to give kisses and be held. They took her home that day and named her Bella.

Their joy quickly turned to fear and sadness when later that day, Bella became very sick. She was throwing up and couldn’t eat, and was very tired. They rushed her to a veterinarian right away. The veterinarian took Bella in and started running tests to see what was wrong with her. Several hours later, Bella was still very sick, and her family was no closer to finding out what was wrong. Their vet wasn’t completely sure what was wrong - they were told to go to another veterinary hospital for more tests.

Grimly determined to do their very best for Bella, the family took her to the recommended veterinary hospital. She spent another day at this hospital, having tests run. The veterinarian there recommended even more tests - they still had no idea what was wrong with Bella and even though she was in the hospital, she wasn’t receiving any care to make her feel better. She was getting weaker and weaker.

To make matters worse, Bella’s new “dad” found out that he was laid off - now the family had spent over $1700 trying to find out what was wrong with Bella and they had no more money to spend. They weren’t even sure how they were going to pay their household bills now. Worse, Bella was dying. She could barely move, and was so thin that her bones were visible.

As a last ditch effort to save Bella’s life, they picked up the phone and started calling around, asking if ANYONE knew a vet that could take care of Bella now that they had little or no money. Somehow, they found the phone number to Animal Health Care Specialists.

Bella was on death's door when she came in - another day without care and she very well may have died. She could barely move, was very pale and cold. She was starving from having intestinal worms and from being sick to her stomach from a still undiagnosed disorder for several days - days when she was at a veterinary office having tests run (but no treatment or supportive care). Had they come to Animal Health Care Specialists first, Bella would have received supportive therapy right away while tests were done - the same services they paid $1000 for would have cost approximately $150 at Animal Health Care Specialists. We started Bella on supportive therapy, feeding her intravenously, giving her medications to kill off her parasites and antibiotics to treat the secondary bacterial infection she had developed. Within a few days, Bella looked like a different puppy. We sent her home with happy hearts, glad to see her so improved.

Unfortunately, Bella's story doesn't end there. It was determined that Bella’s illness was due to genetic liver disorder. It is possible that Bella can live many years, but she will require special medications and food the rest of her life. Without this special care, Bella may not live very long at all. Her family is very grateful to have Bella and will continue to do whatever they can to help her. They want Bella to have many years of giving kisses, playing in the yard and snuggling next to her favorite people.

The medications and food Bella needs are very expensive, even at the discounted prices that we can offer. Right now, times are very hard for Bella’s family. With all the money they’ve spent being responsible pet owners and caring for Bella, as well as “dad” being laid off, they no longer have the money to support Bella’s needs.

Please help Bella and her family. Donations to Tails of Woe can be made on their behalf - send donations to Tails of Woe c/o Animal Health Care Specialists 6701 Washington St Denver, CO 80229