From Elphaba’s owner: My retired service dog, Elphaba Louise, was started on Meloxicam approximately 13 days ago to treat her osteoarthritis, which had gotten so severe that we were also planning on getting her a cart. She was otherwise healthy, but could only walk a few steps at a time. It did help her to walk better and deal with her hip sway. However Elphaba began having some serious side effects and was taken off the medication after taking it for about 9 days. Unfortunately it was not soon enough, because she developed a gastric bleed. became very lethargic and had to be rushed to the emergency hospital. 



Elphaba had to be placed in a hyperbolic oxygen chamber and required a blood transfusion as her hematocrit was 7 when it should have been 55. Thankfully the first transfusion brought her hematocrit level up to 22, and after staying the night they were able to get the bleeding under control. Unfortunately her body reacted to the stress by causing her kidneys to become swollen and infected. So she will need an albumin transfusion with the hopes that it will help to heal her kidneys. It will be touch and go for a while longer, and of course the costs are continuing to rise.

For those who may be wondering why I am fighting so hard for my girl here is a little background. As noted above Elphaba was my service dog until last year when she was retired . Elphaba has literally restarted my heart on two occasions; she's engaged my VNS (Vagus Nerve Stimulation to treat seizures) and brought me out of status dozens of times; she's brought my medications and called 911 for me more times than I can count. She is my best friend in the world, especially since losing my spouse last year. I truly do not know how to live without her. Elphaba is really special, and has saved my life, literally, so many times. She deserves so much more than I can give her.

Elphaba had insurance most of her life, but they recently dropped her when she stopped working as a service dog. I am on disability and have exhausted every resource I have. I have already taken out a loan that I have no way of paying back so that they would begin her treatment, and thankfully some wonderful supporters called in or sent in some funds to help. Blue Pearl will be applying a 15 percent discount because of her service dog background. But I am still short of about half the amount her care is anticipated to run. I would be so very grateful for any support so that I can save the girl that has saved me so often.



Owner: Josephine Bray 


Veterinary Hospital: BluePearl Pet Hospital, Olympia, WA