Cristabel is a kind-hearted mother of three sons who sadly all have medical conditions and disabilities. Cristabel suffers also with PTSD and narcolepsy, but rather than dwell on the negatives in life she decided to share kindness by rescuing horses and dogs over the last few years. Her 3-year-old Dachshund ‘Ducky’ had a really tough start to life after being bred by a back yard breeder. She had all sorts of injuries which set the family back nearly $6000, however ‘Ducky’ has still been training to be an assistance dog for the Mother and kids.
Tragically ‘Ducky’ was bitten in one of the first cases of snake bites to come to us in 2019. After already having one shot of antivenin that costs $1000 she started dropping her oxygen saturation and the chances of her survival became less due to the lack of a second shot. PMC had already spent our maximum to help Cristabel and her family save the cute little lady.
Cristabel went on to explain “It was only a few days ago Bojangles our rescue horse was found dead in the paddock so to be hit with this two nights later has no words. Losing both would be like a punishment beyond understanding.” Cristabel said in a broken voice.
Animal Referral Hospital in Essendon Fields cared for ‘Ducky’ and applied a 25% discount for the proud Mum. After some great case-work, PMC managed to get the second shot of antivenin donated free-of-charge by the incredibly generous ‘Summerland Serums’ and John Curtin, working in with support from the team at ‘ProVet’.
Receptionist Corrine from Essendon Fields was tearful when Pet Medical Crisis secured a second vial of antivenin. Ducky’s life lay in the balance and when Corrine went home the previous night it was with trepidation that she’d not see her again. On returning to work next morning Ducky greeted her with a tail wag, a lick and stood up on her four legs for the first time since being admitted with a deadly snakebite.
“There is no doubt about it – she would have been dead without your help!” “She was over the moon to see me, doing her little excited whimper that she does, but still very weak. The swelling in her face had almost completely gone.” Said mum Cristabel.
‘Ducky’ was transferred to the Lort Smith for her next round of care. ‘Ducky’ the brave little girl could not eat for a few days and her throat was swollen initially, and she looked a little like she’s about to go scuba diving with all her tubes.
Pet Medical Crisis relies on public donations to assist pensioners and disadvantaged owners who cannot afford life-saving veterinary care.