Many of you knew my dog Tori when I had her. I adopted her from the German Shepherd Rescue Alliance of Wisconsin. During the 2 years she lived with me, she was trained and she traveled with me many places including to the east coast to visit my family. After 2 years it became apparent that she would be happier as an only dog so I began the search for a perfect home. What I thought was a perfect home presented itself and she was placed her as a Psychiatric Service Dog with a woman who suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Having suffered a lifetime of abuse, she was unable to go out in public by herself to do simple things like go to the grocery store or Shopko. We truly do take our lives for granted. I was told that before Tori, there were times in public that she would have a flashback, disassociate and end up in the psychiatric unit of the hospital. For 2 years, Tori was her strength and she was able to become part of a life that we take for granted.
Apparently Tori couldn't take the pressure and started to shut down. She was plagued with infections and simply decided that it was too stressful to go on. I'll never forget that rainy Sunday night in September that I received a call to "come get her" and finding a dog that was curled up in a ball in the corner of her living room, having no desire to interact, eat or probably even live. At my house she soon became a different dog. It didn't take her long to start getting back to her old self. Because I originally adopted her from the rescue, technically, she is their dog. We treated her for a urinary tract infection and thought it was cleared up. As time went on I realized it wasn't so she spent a day at the vet so they could really try to figure things out. When I picked her up the news wasn't good. My vet couldn't do anymore for her and his words were, "This is serious". She needs to see a specialist and surgery to remove folds of skin on her underside that are not allowing moisture to dry up resulting in continuing infections.
I did some research and the surgery at the Animal Referral Center is $1500 - $2000. The Rescue informed me that they could not afford the surgery and I was faced with the possibility of having to put her to sleep. I understand the limited resources and in a perfect world, the money would be there but it’s not a perfect world.
The next day I took her outside where she played like a puppy. (she’ll be 6 early next year) I took some pictures and posted them on her website. Tori-Tori I looked at those pictures and didn’t see a dog that should be put to sleep but rather one that should live. She doesn't deserve this... she has done so much good and essentially put her life on the line.
So, this is a plea. If we can get 200 people to donate $10 each, the surgery would be paid for. If this can be accomplished, she has a new home waiting for her where she will be cared for and be an only dog. All donations will go through the German Shepherd Rescue which is a tax deductible organization. You can pay online with a credit card but you MUST be SURE to note that it’s for Tori’s medical bills. Go to the home page and click the link where it says Tori Needs Help Also, donations can be made by check and mailed to
GSRAW Att. Tori's fund
PO Box 7354
Madison, WI 53707-7354
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at lstone513@gmail.com.
Tori thanks you!
Laurel Stone
Larsen, WI 54947