9-14-2009 In October of 2007 Working Service Dog and Katrina survivor, Montana, was diagnosed with Cancer. After losing literally everything, his family was determined not to loose him, too. Montana underwent 2 months of radiation therapy. Almost 2 years later, Montana is still in complete remission. Unfortunately, the same radiation that cured his Cancer, destroyed his elbow. Unable to use his leg, Montana's best chance of a complete recovery is elbow replacement surgery. Learning of Montana's situation and the overwhelming expenses associated with it, Chase Bank graciously opened a Charitable Trust Fund to help with Montana's mounting medical bills.
UPDATE: 9-14-2009 Since the last update Montana has undergone a new procedure. So far it seems to be working. He is much improved. The cost was slightly more than what we were able to raise. Elbow replacement surgery still remains Montana's best chance at having long term success, but is still too costly. Montana remains Cancer free. A few words from Montana's owner/trainer..... From time to time people tell me, "Lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "That's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, time spent, or costs involved for "Just a dog." Some of my proudest moments have come about with "Just a dog." Many hours have passed with my only company being "Just a dog." and not once have I felt slighted. Some of my saddest moments were brought about by "Just a dog." In those days of darkness, the soft, caring touch of "Just a dog" provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day. If you, too, think it's "Just a dog," you will probably understand phrases like "Just a friend," "Just a sunrise," or "Just a promise." "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person. For me and folks like me, its not "Just a dog." It's an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the joy of the moment. I hope that someday people can understand it's not "Just a dog." It's the thing that gives me humanity, and gives back to humanity. So the next time you hear the phrase "Just a dog," smile, because they "Just Don't Understand."
Thank you,
The "Save Montana" Fund
Donations can be made directly to any Chase Bank branch.
Donations made to Chase Bank must include "name of fund" and "account number" as listed below: "Save Montana Fund" account #: 2911571624 ****************************************************************** or sent to:
The "Save Montana Fund"P.O. Box 3625Covington, La. 70433
Contact person: Jean Assistant Fundraiser Coordinator: Stacey "Star" Tenison
Fund Headquarters: (985) 809-5022 or (504) 838-8605 Cell: (504) 717-0303
Montana prior to being diagnosed with Cancer
Recent tests confirm that, after a year, Montana's Cancer is still in complete remission. Unfortunately, the side effects of radiation therapy destroyed his elbow.
Otherwise healthy, it is felt that elbow replacement surgery will return Montana to normal function. The hairless area over his elbow and ulna is a result of the radiation. Montana is wearing a blue Fentanyl patch.
