By: Dee McKinsey—
Muncie, IN—Tiny Gracie, an ARF rescue, is going to get her heart operation, thanks to the generosity of Hoosiers and the support of the news media.
Gracie, a 10-week old Shih Tzu/Dachshund Mix with a heart murmur, sees a Purdue veterinarian cardiologist at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.
The estimate for Gracie’s operation is approximately $3,800. ARF originally thought the cost would be $2,000, but after consulting with Purdue’s veterinarians the cost increased. ARF did not have the financial means to fund this operation. To date, ARF has received almost $8,000. That money has been donated in less than four days.
“We are overwhelmed with the outpouring of love for Gracie,” said Vickie Bevans, ARF executive director. “Any money received over the amount needed for Gracie will go into Gracie’s Fund, now ear-marked in her honor for any other ARF rescues that need more medical support than ARF normally provides.
“To those who donated and spread the word of Gracie’s need, thank you from the bottom of our hearts at ARF for fixing Gracie’s heart,” said Bevans.
This loving, tiny pup, who loves people, is curious, fun, give kisses and nibbles on fingers and will make a wonderful family pet. Gracie will be available for adoption after she recuperates.
ARF will issue Gracie updates on Facebook as she continues on her medical journey.
UPDATE, MARCH 24th
Tiny Gracie, an ARF’s rescue, is recuperating after her heart surgery this morning at Purdue University. She is resting and already has eaten moist food.
According to Purdue’s veterinarian clinic staff, the surgery went well. Gracie, who was initially diagnosed with a heart murmer was found to have other complications after tests on Tuesday. She had an enlarged heart, a hole in her heart, and on a scale of 1-6, with 6 being the worst, Gracie was a 6. Those issues have been repaired.
She still has arrhythmia that is not related to the heart mumur and will be monitored.
“We are so grateful that donors made this procedure possible,” said Vickie Bevans, ARF executive director. “We have all been on pins and needles all day waiting for word on her progress.”
Everyone who meets Gracie falls in love with her, said Bevans.
Gracie, a 10-week old Shih Tzu/Dachshund Mix, received the treatment through the generosity of the news media and Hoosiers who donated more than $9,000 for a surgery estimated to cost $3,800. With money left over from Gracie’s procedure, there has been a fund established in her name to treat other ARF rescues who have medical issues.
This loving, tiny pup, who loves people, is curious, fun, give kisses and nibbles on fingers and will make a wonderful family pet. Gracie will be available for adoption after she recuperates.
Founded in 1998 by animal activist Terri Panszi, The Animal Rescue Fund (ARF), Muncie, is a private non-profit, no kill-shelter that provides housing, medical care and rehoming to abused, neglected and unwanted animals. Through education efforts, building public awareness, and community participation, ARF relieves animal suffering by preventing cruelty, abuse, neglect and overpopulation. Since its’ founding, ARF has saved thousands of animals. For more information, or to volunteer or contribute, contact ARF at http://www.munciearf.com/ or by calling 765-282-ARFF (2733).
Dee McKinsey is editor and writer at ARF
