Lulu's Emergency Funding

As I noted a couple days ago following my knee surgery Lulu was required to be kept in the puppy pen again because I was not able to get around and provide proper supervision to keep her calm and inactive. This was intended to be for her safety, but in her efforts to escape and get near her people she caught her leg. We sent her to her primary vet for medical attention and boarding until I'm able to get around.
During the medical exam Lulu was seen by a new surgeon who consulted with her surgeon over the phone as we were not able to get her into her immediate surgeon. Their findings were that Lulu had dislocated her elbow (it appeared to be a partial dislocation) and was showing evidence of radial nerve damage. What this meant was all of us involved, myself, 2PawsUp, both surgeons and Lulu's primary vet really had some decisions to make not only for this immediate need but for the long term benefit of Lulu's treatment, health and a happy life.
I want everyone to understand everything we needed to take into consideration:

This is the THIRD time she has injured her leg with this fixator and each injury has involved my attempts to confine her (which was what the doctor believed was the best approach for her instead of giving her stronger sedatives to keep her calm)

Lulu has had an ongoing infection in her leg for near 2 months with the most recent flare being severe enough to land her in the hospital (our outstanding vet bill everyone is contributing to)

Lulu has developed severe anxiety issues over the course of wearing this fixator due to continued exercise restrictions and repeated confinement away from her people and we were facing a minimum of 6 more weeks following the fixator recommendations.

Lulu was currently showing signs of radial nerve damage, that may or may not have been permanent. (only time would tell and the end result would be amputation)

The treatment options that were offered to us were:

The "medically" ideal approach was to sedate Lulu and set her elbow. This approach would be followed by re-testing the radial nerve damage at an appropriate time. If the nerve damage was permanent we would have no choice but to amputate. If the nerve damage showed improvement the fixator would remain in place for at least 5 more weeks.

Go ahead and amputate the leg now and be done with it.

Since we were originally informed that Lulu's hips could not sustain an amputation we asked a second surgeon's opinion. His findings were that the medically ideal approach to try and keep the leg is of course his first opinion however he found that her hips were stable enough that an amputation would allow Lulu to have a happy, normal pain free life. He did disclose that her lifespan COULD be shortened due to quality of life (premature arthritis or breakdown of the hip joints) 5 years down the road but that these 5 years would be good ones.
Our decision was by no means rushed. We took our time (a couple days) to make the best decision we felt we could make for Lulu, not for us, not for any doctors but for Lulu. After lots of studying, consulting, and for some of us prayer, we at 2PawsUp and her primary vet unanimously agreed that an amputation was in Lulu's best interest not only for the immediate need but long term and she was scheduled for surgery yesterday. While her surgeon preferred keeping the fixator in place he did support our decision.
Please know this was not an easy decision for any of us as we have put in so much time and emotion to save the leg, but we strongly believe that all things considered this is the best choice for Lulu to have a happy life. 2PawsUp has successfully fostered and adopted tripods (including my personal tripod) in the past and we can tell you they are normal dogs, full of love and life and just as active as their four legged companions so we have no doubt that Lulu will soon be running happily with her canine pack again.
As a tribute to Lulu 2PawsUp is documenting the final stages of her battle including the evening before surgery, after waking and her first walk with the leg removed. This is our way of sharing Lulu's anticipated (and obvious after the fact) relief to a long struggle well ended. As soon as the multiple video clips are added together to make a final video we will share it here for everyone to see.
Please know that just one day after surgery Lulu is ecstatic, full of happy energy and is noticeably relieved. She is hanging out at the vet but living in luxury there enjoying the company of the office staff while she lounges on her doggie bed. The staff at Mitchell Mill report that Lulu is a whole new dog today!
My mom was able to drive down and say hello to Lulu a couple hours ago and she was astounded at the difference in Lulu's ability to get around, her obvious happy demeanor and that she just seemed content now.
All of this tells me we made the right choice for Lulu!
All though the fixator has "ended" Lulu's recovery and on to her happy life has not! So please stay involved here on FB as we continue to track her progress.
Of course donations would still be greatly appreciated as we aim to cover the past due balance remaining on her emergency vet bill of just under $300 as well as the boarding expenses until she can come home.
Thanks to everyone for your support.