Spike came to us almost ten years ago after several years of treatments for infertility. It was a particularly hard, and depressing time for my husband and I, as we so desperately wanted a child. Of course the long MN winter did nothing to help my mood, and one day I exclaimed that if couldn't have a baby, I should at least be able to have a dog! The advice I was given was to find a place to live that would accept a pet and get one! That's what we did. My Mom knew how badly we wanted a Yorkie and while searching the papers, found a lady who had a litter of Yorkie-Poo puppies. She said "Lets just go and look, you don't have to get one!" Ok, so how do you walk into a place with eight precious little puppies and not want to leave with one?
My Husband and I sat down on the floor and rite away this tiny little bundle of fur came clumsily running towards us. He crawled into my lap, I picked him up, and he licked my face. Then he put his head down on my chest. I was in love. I put him down, and we played with his siblings for awhile, and each time he was put down , he would come running back. We knew he was the one, and he went home with us.
Spike at 7 weeks
I always thought it would be fun to have small dog with a big dogs name, so that's where Spike came in. However in the process of naming him a few other great one were tossed out there and considered. Marley, for my love of Bob Marley, and Theodore, because he looked like a tiny little Teddy Bear. We just couldn't decide, so we went with them all and that's how He got his name.... Spike Marley Theodore. Over the years he's acquired many nicknames, and will answer to all of them ... including... Bubba, Old Man (because he's the oldest of the dogs) and , Geezy ( like Old Geezer or Weezy, we like all music in this house).
Spike came at a time when I was in a very low, and difficult point in my life. To say the power of pets healing or helping to heal people isn't a real thing would be ridiculous. Of course I still longed for a child, but my heart was melted by this furry little creature. He snuggled with me on tought days. If I was crying he would come running and force his way under the blankets to cuddle with me. He was there to watch movies with me, and would tilt his head back and forth like he was really understanding all the things we said to him. He helped us heal, and we are forever grateful.
Now, Spike needs extensive and very expensive dental work. He's been having problems with his eye sight, and it seems to change often leading us to believe it could have something to do with the infection from his teeth. Ever since he was a pup, he's had issues with bad breath, so we made sure to stay on top of brushing his teeth, but just like humans, some dogs.. just have bad teeth. He was seen last week for updated shots, and an exam. We were told he will need oral surgery, x-rays, cleaning, etc. He has exposed roots, and they know he is in pain. Since we have been with our vet for MANY years, and they know us we can make an arrangement with them , but need at least half down to get the procedure done and then must make arrangements to have the rest paid off in a timely manner. They are estimating the total cost to be around $500.
Spike waiting for Dad to come out of the store.
Needless to say when my husband and I left we were feeling very defeated, and weren't sure what to do to raise the money needed for Spike's surgery. We knew we had to do something. If Spike were a human baby, we would move heaven and earth to make sure he or she had the care they needed. So when a friend and I were talking about perhaps doing a fundraiser it seemed like an awesome idea.
Please, if you can help our Spike Marley Theodore in any way at all, we would greatly appreciate it. No amount is too small. If you can't donate, please help us spread the word by tweeting, posting to facebook, g+, sharing with your friends. The sooner we can get Spike this surgery the better. Any warm wishes, prayers, love, light, and positive thoughts and messages are welcome as well.
Thank you!
