Fundraiser ongoing for Becker County veteran's assistance dog
Patriot Assistance Dogs of Detroit Lakes is asking for help to pay a $14,000 veterinary bill for Beka. Patriot Assistance Dogs (PAD) of Detroit Lakes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to training dogs and supporting veterans, is seeking help after one of their dogs, Beka, was hospitalized and hospitalized with over $14,000 in veterinarian bills. The dog was donated to PAD as a puppy and underwent intensive training before being donated to the program. Beka was cleared to return home after 10 days in emergency care and cleared to go home on March 24. The organization is hosting an online fundraising effort to pay down Beka's medical bill. Bek was one of many dogs in the area battling a new respiratory illness, the dog flu, often referred to as the dog influenza.
Published : a month ago by Barbie Porter in Lifestyle
DETROIT LAKES — Patriot Assistance Dogs (PAD) of Detroit Lakes needs help. One of their dogs was hospitalized and veterinarian bills have accumulated to more than $14,000.
PAD trainer Paula Anderson explained after training and the typical veterinarian bills are tallied, a PAD dog has at least $20,000 put into them. However, when the dog is paired with a veteran living with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries, the retired military member incurs no cost.
“We commit to take care of the dogs and be responsible for the dog’s health and well-being,” Anderson said. “It is part of our mission (at PAD).”
After about 10 days in emergency care, Beka was cleared to return home on Sunday, March 24.
“We’re a small nonprofit and don’t normally incur cost; it’s out of our budget,” Anderson said, noting PAD is hosting an online fundraising effort to pay down her medical bill. You can also visit https://patriotassistancedogs.com and scroll to the bottom of the page to find a donate now button. Checks can also be mailed to 28579 US Highway 10 E, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501.
Patriot Assistance Dogs began when Detroit Lakes resident Linda Wiedewitsch, a retired detective, combined her love of training dogs with her appreciation for veterans. The first PAD dog was matched with a veteran in 2011. Now, the Detroit Lakes nonprofit organization has certified more than 260 dog-veteran teams.
Beka, a 16-month-old English Shepherd, was donated to PAD as a puppy. A couple living in Otter Tail County heard about the program and wanted to give a pup with a family lineage in therapy services.
A temperament test proved that Beka was a great candidate for the program. She, like all PAD dogs, was given an overall general wellness examination on hips, elbows, heart and more. Once cleared, Beka began intensive training that started with basic training and advanced to intermediate with ease. Anderson said the bright girl was preparing for her AKC Canine Good Citizen national certification test when she fell ill the first time.
In December, Beka was one of many dogs in the area battling a new respiratory illness affecting dogs , often referred to as the dog flu. Beka showed common signs of the illness, including coughing and vomiting a frothy liquid.
“Signs can be different in different dogs,” Anderson said. “Some have nasal discharge, goopy eyes, depression, or don’t show their normal excitement. Not all have a cough or fever.”
Beka took prescribed medication and remained isolated for several weeks, with intermittent veterinarian check-ups, she was soon on the mend.
“She was cleared on Feb. 8,” Anderson said.
But, Beka became ill once again in mid-March. She vomited. Anderson checked her temperature.
“It had spiked,” Anderson said, noting Beka became visibly lethargic. “There were signs that her health was not OK.”
As the midnight hour approached on March 14, Beka was rushed to the emergency veterinarian clinic in Fargo, North Dakota.
“It’s a triage clinic, which puts the most dire cases first,” Anderson explained. “Beka was quickly bumped to the highest level of care.”
She needed supplemental oxygen and her white blood count had dropped. Beka was also administered IV fluids.
As she began the slow recovery process, Anderson was in continual communication with the vet staff caring for Beka. In time, she received texts that Beka was becoming more alert and requesting tummy rubs.
“They worked very, very hard to get Beka better,” Anderson said. “Beka has such potential to make a difference in a veteran’s life.”
Anderson said had they brought her home before she was able to be off of oxygen support for a minimum of 18 hours, and before an increase in white blood cells, it is unlikely that Beka would’ve recovered.