Your BEHAF
Dollars at Work

Here you will find the stories of the Berners that BEHAF
has been able to help out - thanks to YOU !

LUCA'S story:

Kathy, Luca's owner, writes:
"We picked little 20 lbs. Lucabrasi "Luca" up at the breeders house on the way home from our honeymoon in 1992. We have loved him and been with him every day of his life. Luca (Ch. October the Godfather V. Resal) earned his AKC championship in 11 shows at the age of 2 and we are very proud of him. He is the family protector and mascot.

One rainy day in July 1999 he was running into the house, full of his Berner energy and his foot slipped on the wet stair. I heard a yelp and ran to him. Luca was limping and was obviously in some pain. We thought that he may have just pulled muscle but after a week of limping, we realized that it was something more serious. He was diagnosed as having a rupture anterior crutiate ligament and we were told that the surgery could cost $800-1500. I was devastated. We had just finish paying off a long term debt for work we had done on our house and now we were faced with expensive surgery.

After posting my questions on the BERNER-L and doing lots of research on the internet about ACL surgery, we decided to have the surgery done by a board certified surgeon. The closest who is experienced with large dogs is at Tuft University, 2 hours away. On August 31 my husband and I will bring Luca to Tufts for the surgery. He will need to stay there for 3 nights and I know I am going to be a wreck. Luca has never been away from us at night and I know he won't understand what is happening to him, yet if we ever want to have him go on walks with us like he used to, we need to do this. Also, I am so afraid that if we don't have the surgery done, that the other knee will become injured. I know the recovery process will be a long one but he is a healthy 7 year old so I hope it goes well."

Since Kathy applied for assistance & Luca's case qualified, BEHAF will be helping with his medical costs.

Luca & Nero the pup
Luca and Nero the pup
To Luca
by Luca's owner, Kathy
My life without you, would be so strange,
You fill my heart with joy.
When wagging your tail, or licking my face,
or chewing your favorite toy.
I feel so secure and loved when you're near, With you I can always play.
When down in the dumps or just feeling sad, You're by my side everyday.
No other can replace your spirit and will,
You're strong as a gentle bear.
Forever we'll frolic and play in the grass,
Together, an unseparable pair.

UPDATES:

Thanks for all of your help!

Aug 31, 1999:
Hello all, "Well we dropped Luca off at Tufts Foster Animal hospital about 3 hours ago and he is waiting for surgery tomorrow morning. It is about a 2.5 hour drive for us. He was very good with the vet and the vet students. The good news is that I feel that he is in good hands... the bad news is that the surgeon said that his other leg (the one that doesn't have the torn ligament) isn't solid and don't be surprised if that ruptures sometime soon. Bummer! I hope his right leg can at least hang on until the left is healed. Please pray that the surgery goes well tomorrow morning. Thanks for all your help and advice, thanks to the BEHAF for assistance, thanks to Brad Peceimer and my mother for their donations towards the surgery bill! You are all great! Kathy Amoroso (and Luca and Nero)"
Sept 1:
For those who are interested, Luca's crutiate ligament surgery went well today according to the surgeon. They called me about 3:30pm and said that they were waiting for him to wake up. They used the TPLO method. I hope they call me tonight with an update. If anyone has any pointers on how to make the recovery process easier for the dog, or any other tips, I'd love to hear them. I really don't know what to expect. Kathy"
Sept 2:
"Hello all, I heard from the vet student at Tufts today. He said that Luca is doing really well, eating and drinking, yet walking on only 3 legs (as to be expected). He said as long as things stay good, we can pick him up tomorrow. I am excited to see him again. I really miss him. Kathy"
Nov 17:
Hello all, Just wanted to give an update about Luca. The surgeon called yesterday after reviewing Luca's followup Xrays. He said that Luca's knee was all healed and that we should gradually re-introduce him to exercise. What a relief! I am so grateful for all the help, advice and support that everyone gave us.
Kathy Amoroso

If you are in need of financial assistance for your Berner,
you're welcome to apply for assistance as well.

"TO LOVE ONE BERNER IS TO LOVE THEM ALL!"

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Your BEHAFDollars at Work

Your BEHAF
Dollars at Work