To view Crystals Slideshow click here!  
 
12/22/09 - update from Mira's family
We have had a bit of a setback but generally things are good.  She is happy,
funny, gaining weight and running our household.  Her right rear is going to
require some more surgery (unexpected) but nothing we cant handle.  This
will probably occur the week after Christmas. Still has the fixators on that
leg which need to come off....same time as aforementioned surgery. Left rear
is coming along beautifully.  She is going to be fine, but it is
heartbreaking that she has to go through a bit more. 

Mira loves her life and is very spoiled.  Generally speaking, all good.

Hope all is well with you. 
 
12-08-09
Mira is doing so well.  She stayed at ISU over Thanksgiving for some
extended rehab and now she is home again.  She still has the fixators on the
lower part of her right rear leg, but those hopefully be removed with in the
month.  She is using all four legs fairly well.  When she is in a hurry and
trying to keep up with her brothers (Bodine and Squirt) she still chooses to
run on three legs, but quickly switches to four with a gentle reminder. Mira
weighs 46 pounds now and looks wonderful.  She weighed 39 pounds when she
was found in September.  She still needs to gain more weight but we are
trying to do that slowly as we do not want to burden those back legs too
quickly.  

Mira loves her home and her toys. She loves children, cats and other
dogs..she is not crazy about snow however.  This morning she went outside,
squinted her eyes, turned and went back to the door. She is very funny.

 We feel blessed to have her in our home.  She is still relatively fragile
and gets fatigued, but she loves being alive.  It is no longer an effort for
her to get through the day, it is a joy. Right now she is lying on her back
tossing a stuffed pink pig in the air.   :-) .
 
11-16-09
Crystal's (Mira) portrait was painted and donated by a Safe Haven Rescuer. Click here to go to our homepage (www.wesavepets.com) for all the details!!!! 
 
11-10-09 
Mira continues to excel in rehab.  Her surgery last week went very well and
she continues to use her right rear leg routinely.  She has began placing
weight on her left rear leg while standing which is the first step toward
using it when walking. I will be going to get her on Thursday for a much
deserved, 10 day "siesta" at home. I will take Mira back for one more week
of rehab, and one last minor procedure on the Monday before Thanksgiving.
We will then determine her future rehab needs, but hopefully those can be
accomplished on an out patient basis from home.  Her weight has stabilized
and she continues to be infection free. 

 
Mira continues to receive glowing reports from the veterinarians, the
students, and the rehab professionals that work with her.  She is funny,
demanding, and full of life.  

 
We still have a ways to go, but we are getting there.  Her final homecoming
is in sight! 

 
P.S. I will post a picture after she gets here Thursday afternoon.  It will
be a  happy day! 
 
 
11-05-09 
Mira is doing very well and working very hard.  She is currently in the rehab program at ISU.  We had a bit of a setback this week as Mira 
required surgery to remove a piece of necrotic bone from her right rear tibia.  Because of the complexity and severity of the original break 
in that bone, it was not unexpected that a tiny piece of it did not heal properly.  Dr. Bergh removed the useless piece (approximately one 
centimeter in size) and then did a bone graft to stimulate the growth of new bone.  She came through the surgery like a champ and will 
resume rehab today. 
 
My daughter and I went to visit Mira on Tuesday and we were a bit alarmed by her weight loss.  She appeared far thinner than she had 
8 days earlier when we dropped her off after her two weeks in Cedar Rapids.  We took her hamburger to mix in with her food and she 
loved that so much.  A wonderful volunteer in Ames (found through Safe Haven) has offered to take her more hamburger today so that 
she can continue to get some extra calories.  What an angel!  The doctors ate ISU are not overly concerned about her weight loss given
 her circumstances, but they are keeping a close eye on it. 
 
We will be going to get her some time next week for a well deserved siesta in Cedar Rapids. We will then determine her future rehab course.
 
Overall Mira is doing so well.  She is really using her right rear leg and does, on occasion, put weight on her left rear leg which is obviously 
a goal of rehab.  She has come light years, but she still has quite a way to go.  We will get her there, I assure you!
 
Thanks for all your prayers and good wishes.  It takes a village,
  
 
 
10-31-09
Email update from Dr Bergh at ISU
Mira is going well. She is responding well to rehab and uses 
her right hind limb a bit more every day. It is still a long road of recovery ahead for her and certainly she might encounter some complications along t
he way, but so far, I am pleased. I think we have regained the ground that we had lost in terms of function and on Monday we will be taking off the 
fixator on her left hind limb. Her left stifle had more ligament injury than her right, so my fingers are crossed :-)
 
10-27-09
FANTASTIC NEWS!!!!!!   Crystals first surgery yesterday went well yesterday AND.....See below from her foster family!  
We couldn't be happier for Crystal!
 
 
Yesterday was a bittersweet day for all of us as I drove our girl back to ISU for the start of a tough few weeks of procedures and rehab.  Saying good bye to her was sad, 
but I know it is for the best. I plan to visit her at ISU next week and see how she is fairing. Yesterday afternoon she successfully had the external fixator removed from 
her right rear leg. All reports are good.  Her weight is up by over 2 pounds, there are no signs of infection and the injuries seem to be healing as expected. Starting today 
she will begin rehab so that she might more willingly use her back legs.  Next week she will have the fixator removed from her left leg, and the rehab will continue. I receive 
frequent (2 times per day) updates from ISU as to her progress, and as of this morning she seems to be doing well. 
 
Yesterday morning, when we were packing all her blankets and toys for the trip to ISU,  we realized that she has become such an integral part of our family.  We plan to 
adopt her and make it official. We have chosen a new name for her, one that I hope everyone will begin using. Her name is Mira (short for Mira-cle).  She is nothing short 
of a Miracle.  Mira is an inspiration to everyone who meets her and we are honored to have her join our brood.  Mira will come home to dogs and cats and kids and action.  
She will be loved like she never has been loved before. Mira has a long road ahead of her….possibly a year of rehab, but she is worth every minute and every cent.   
 
Fostering her has been a great experience, and I encourage all of you to do the same.  Animals are so thankful and appreciative of time and effort (unlike 17 year olds J).
 I promise weekly updates (more often if necessary) as many of you are tied to Mira, and her story. You have all contributed to her survival. 
 
Thanks so much!  
 
10-22-09
I apoligize for the delay in updates.  Crystal was a star on Monday nights CBS 2.  That was my update for that day:)  
It can be seen here http://www.kgan.com/shared/newsroom/top_stories/videos/kgan_vid_1276.shtml.  Every time I spend time
with her I get such a sense of pride knowing that together we saved her life!  She is such a miracle in itself.  Take the time to 
click on the link I pasted above.  They did an amazing job and to see her walking on her two front feet by herself is nothing short
of amazing!
 
Update email from her foster family
She loves the sunshine, loves the grass and the fresh air.  She tires easily
when out for a walk so we have to go very slowly, but she smiles the whole
way!  She is still primarily using just her front legs to walk but is
putting her hind legs down more and more.  Tomorrow we go to a local
veterinarian for a bandage change.

Today my two dogs were running in the field adjacent to our home and she
stood with her ears perked up watching every move they made.  I promised her
that someday soon she would run like that and beat them all.  
 
Ps.  I am leaving tonight for the National No Mopre Homeless Pets conference as a speaker and will not be back until late Monday night. 
Crystal has surgery Monday at ISU to remove the first fixator so while I will be in touch with ISU I wont be able to update the
site until Tuesday am.  
 
Continue to pray for Crystal as she returns to ISU for these delicate surgeries and pray for her continued healing.  God Bless
  
 

10-17-09
A quick note from Crystal's foster family.  They have gone above and beyond to care for her.  The level of time, energy
and commitment that Crystals requires is unbelievable and yet they do it so willingly and lovingly.
We are truly blessed to have such angels on this earth!
 
Email from Crystals Foster Mom: 
Rinthea, this is the sun we talked about and hoped for!
Well, this is one amazing girl. Although still very fragile medically, she is doing beautifully. She is very smart. 
She tilts her head when spoken to and I am quite sure she understands far more than we think. Last evening 
I set up an air mattress next to her so I had a place to lie (and sleep if I could :). I got up for 2 minutes and 
when I returned, she had moved onto the mattress. Her look said, "you get the floor lady." She won. 
Thanks for this opportunity. Although the level of care and time required is extremely high, it is rewarding 
beyond words.  
 
 
10-15-09
 
Ch 2 and Ch 9 ran the story that KCCI did last night.  We didn't know they were going to so it was a pleasant surprise.
Crystal is doing so well in her foster home!  She has a 2 week break from ISU.  She will return Oct 26th to have the first
of two surgeries to remove the pins in her legs.  We continue to ask for help from everyone to raise money for her care.  
 
God bless and keep spreading the word.  And doesn't she look so happy in her foster home???



 


 
10-14-09 
Here is the news link that aired tonight at 6pm in Ames regarding Crystal and her story.  They got the month wrong in the 
beginning but considering we did everything from 2 hours away they did a good job.

Now you all can "meet" Crystal yourself. 

http://www.kcci.com/news/21298924/detail.html
 
 
10-14-09  Notes from Crystals Foster Family
 
 
We had a very uneventful ride home.  We stopped once and got her out to go potty (which she did), loaded her back up and got home with no issues.
 
She is a very funny dog.  She is very interactive and was awake most of the way home. Sam swears he taught her to “give me 5” but I am not so sure. 
J. She uses her paws like hands and likes to have them held. We got her home, fed her a cup of food which she ate immediately.   She drank water, 
played with a squeaky toy for awhile and is now sleeping on her bed next to where I am sitting.  She has her arm over a big floppy teddy bear. My little
 mutt dog “Squirt” is dying to meet her which has not happened yet.  He is lying as close as possible to her; just on the other side of the glass door, 
and staring at her quietly.
 
As soon as I have a minute I will take a picture and forward, but I just wanted you to know that she is home, and she is resting (finally) J.  She has 
quite a bit of energy and is very curious.  There are trees right outside of her biggest window and she was watching them blow as if seeing that for 
the first time. 
 
10-14-09
Crystals release was delayed a day but she is coming home today!  She will be staying at a foster home in Cedar Rapids
until Oct 26th when the first fixator will be removed.  The following week the other fixator will be removed.  She will stay at
ISU during this 2-3 week period because of the frailty of her bones and the removal of the pins must be carefully monitored.
She will start physical rehabilitation which will be a long hard road for her but we all know she can do it!
 
To date Crystals bill has come to 10,823.10
 
She has come so far!!!!!  Lets get her walking again!!!!!!!!!!  God Bless all of you for doing what you have done!  Miracles in the making!
 
 
10-12-09
We are preparing to celebrate Crystals release tomorrow!  A miracle in all senses of the word.
This little girl has beaten all of the odds.  She will be traveling to a foster home tomorrow from
Ames to Cedar Rapids.  She has several weeks left with the fixators on both legs.  Surgeries
will be scheduled in the coming week.  once the fixators are off she will start intensive physical 
therapy at Bright Eyes and Bushy Tales Rehabilitation Center.  The goal - Mend her bones and walk again!
 
We can not possibly thank every single person who has contributed to Crystals care.  There are so many
of you its overwhelming.  Crystal's story was really told through Crystal's eyes.  She touched so many
lives and becuase of that she is alive today and has been given a 2nd chance.
 
God bless each and every one of you.  Crystal's foster family will be sending weekly updates for me
to post on the website along with pictures:)
 
Thank you again for everything you have done!
 
For Immediate Release Oct 7, 2009
Stray dog beaten, starved and thrown from car needs help
 
 
 
Crystal is a 1 year old female Chocolate Lab mix who was seen thrown from a moving vehicle on September 15th, 2009.  Even though it was dark 
and the witness wasn’t sure what he saw or the type of vehicle it was, he sensed something wasn’t right so he stopped to check it out.  
Safe Haven of Iowa County, a local animal shelter in rural Iowa County, was contacted and this is where Crystal’s story starts. 
Crystal was described as a bright, happy and alert dog, by Farm and Family Vet in Victor Iowa upon her arrival which is amazing considering 
she was suffering from shock, starvation and dehydration.  On top of this obvious neglect, she had clearly suffered physical trauma including 
open wound fractures of her left leg, fractured pelvis, dislocation of the hip, multiple additional fractures on her right leg and tendon damage, 
among other things. 
 
Due to the extent of her injuries, she was transferred to ISU Veterinary Hospital in Ames, IA where they determined she was too weak to even have surgery s
o her first two days were spent in ICU until her strength improved.  Since then she has had two surgeries to repair her injuries.
Crystal has spent almost 4 weeks in Ames, and is now beginning the physical rehabilitation process.  The next step is for her to transition into 
a foster home where she can continue to recover.  Crystal is scheduled to be released on Monday, October 12th, and in order for this to 
happen Safe Haven must raise the last $2,000 to pay off her hospitalization bill before she can be discharged to a foster home to start 
physical rehabilitation to learn to walk again..
 
Amazingly, although Crystal has suffered severe pain and suffering at the hands of humans, she will still kiss any human’s face without fear and her trust in 
people seems unwavering.  The gentle wag of her tail and the look in her face says “thank you for saving me”.  Her prognosis is for a very long and happy
 life assuming no post surgery complications.  Most of all, Crystal’s welfare is in the hands of people who will make sure she gets the treatment she deserves 
and eventually moves on to a permanent loving home with a family who will love her unconditionally.
Safe Haven of Iowa County is frantically fundraising to finish paying for Crystal’s hospitalization and future physical therapy.  It is impossible for Safe Haven
 to pay for Crystal’s care due to the outstanding vet bills for the 150 animals already in their care.  This fundraising has been totally independent of the money 
used for general care of those animals.  The outpouring of donations from all over the Midwest has been incredible, however 
$2,000 is still needed to finish this amazing rescue and ensure she gets into a foster home.  
 
Why this dog? 
            Every dog deserves a chance at a good life.  Many do not get that chance, but because hundreds of people that have never met Crystal cared enough she is one of the lucky ones.  
Donations from $5 and up have poured in and made all this possible, so please join in this effort and help Crystal receive the care she requires.  
The question is also asked “who could do this and why”?  There are no easy answers.  Thankfully, Crystal is not defined by her past.  You would never know t
he pain, suffering and misery she has been through by meeting her.  Although it is unbelievable a human could actually do this to a dog, we all have a chance to 
help fund this innocent dog’s recovery.  Can you help?  Please track her progress and make a donation at www.wesavepets.com
 
You are also encouraged to share this story, because for everyone who does, a message of love, compassion, and value of life will be passed on.
 
10-08-09
Crystal continues to do well.  We are preparing for her discharge on Tuesday to go into a wonderful foster home.  We must raise another 2,000.oo
to pay for her remaining vet bill and to get her started at Bright Eyes and Bushy Tails Rehabilitation program to teach her to walk again.  Hundreds of
people from all over the US have donated to get her the life saving surgeries that she needed.  Now we need to get her into a loving foster home to
continue the long road of rehabiltation.  Thank you for all you have all done to guarantee her life.  Please help us by spreading the word.  Lets get her out 
of ISU and walking again!    
 
10-06-09
Visited with Crystal again Monday at ISU.  She is making remarkable progress.  She has gained 3 lbs and appears to have
full control of her bladder and bowels.  We may be transferring her to he foster home early next week if things continue to go well.
She has a LONG road ahead of her fille with physical rehabilitation, removal of all of the casts and external fixadors and constant 
monitoring for infection, cleaning her pins, etc.  We have found a perfect foster family to take her under her wing.  
 
   
 
10-01-09
Crystal's catheter was removed and she appears to have some control over her bladder. There are concerns
that she may be incontinent but we won't know for sure for some time.  

She started physical therapy yesterday.  The are focusing on teaching her how to stand on all four legs.  

Bandage change yesterday showed everything is looking good.  She is still on antibiodics to fight the infection 
from the 2nd surgery but they are staying ahead of it.  

New pictures will be posted later today.  We need to raise 2,800.00 to cover the rest of her bill.
So spread the word! 
 
 
9-28-09
God grants miracles from time to time and he has granted one for this sweet little girl!  Had an amazing
visit with her today.  She looks bright, alert and very happy!  Dr Aquavivea said she has a long way to go
and much can still happen but they are truly amazed at her progress.  She will try to stand on her own now!  
She goes outside for sling walks 4 times a day and loves it!  I have added a bunch of new pictures on her video
that you can click on above just below her picture.
 
HER VET BILLS HAVE INCREASED due to the amount of injuries they found when they went in.  We have $3,000.00
to raise in addition to what we have raised so far.  She could be coming home in as little as 2 weeks so we have 2 weeks
to raise an additional $3,000.00  We are working on a press release and want to get her story out to the media!
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!!!!
  
 
 
9-27-09
Crystal continues to do well since her last surgery on Friday.  She did have some swelling but no infection as of yet. 

They are taking her off the strong iv pain meds and she is on oral pain meds now. 

She is walking pretty well considering all she has been through. 

Its good news all the way around!
 
 
9-26-09
Crystal made it through her final surgery yesterday. She seems in good spirits. She seems fairly comfortable,
and is enjoying her rest.  Here are some pictures taken Saturday of her.
 
 
9-25-09 8:15 am
Crystal is in surgery to try and repair her left hip, knee and ankle.  They think it will take until about 2:00pm to call with how the surgery went.  I
won't be able to update until late tonight as I work at my "other" job tonight....Send those thoughts and prayers her way!
 
9-23-09 10:15 pm
Megan is so excited to see Crystal doing so well!  She said Crystal was wagging her tail, standing and walking today.  
She got to go outside for the first time in 5 days and was so happy to see grass and sun:) 
They are using a sling to help ease the pressure some.  Surgery is scheduled for first thing tomorrow am.  
Dr Aquafinea said we are fast approaching the 8,000-9,000.00 range after tomorrow's surgery because of the 
extensive damage they saw with ct and advanced x-rays.  So we have some more work to do!!!!  I wont be able to 
update until late tomorrow night so I apoligize in advance.
 
9-23-09
Crystal is using a sling to walk outside today!!!!!!!! What more can we say!

Surgery for her left leg is tomorrow!!!!!
Rinthea is going up on Monday to take pictures and spend some 1:1 time with her. 
 
Sept 23, 09 9:00pm
Megan called and there are MIRACLES happening!  Crystal is USING her right leg which they did surgery on this past Monday!  IT has the external fixader on (pins and a frame)
She isn't suppose to use it yet but she is!  She is standing!!!  She is now eating her full caloric diet every day.  No infection, no fever, no diahrrea!  She is well enough to have 
surgery on her left leg Friday!   This is the dog that they didn't think had much of a chance making it through the first surgery and she is doing phenomenal!  All of the thoughts, prayers
and faith have kept this little girl moving in the right direction!  Thank you EVERYONE for touching her life!  
 
Sept 22, 09 9:30am
I just spoke with Megan who is Crystals nurse.  Many little miracles happened since yesterday....Much to celebrate even though it's 
touch and go everyday.  The metronidazole is finally working. She has had severe diahrrea since the 2nd day she was there.  Last night she
had formed a stool!  She is on heavy doses of pain medication because they did 5 hours worth of work to her right leg but she is very comfortable
and in good spirits.  They successfully attached the external fixater with multiple pins to keep her shattered leg in place as it heals.  They are 
sending pictures today and I hope to get them uploaded tonight.  Her wounds had been draining quite a bit the past few days so once they got in
they decided to change her antibiodic instead of waiting the 3 days to get the culture results back.  In 3 days they can adjust the antiobiodics as
needed per the results of the culture but for now they put her on a stronger antibiodic.  She ate really well this morning and that tail is a wagging.
Thank you everyone for touching the life of a dog that you have NEVER met!  Ill keep updating as more information comes in.  Pictures soon!
 
 
Sept 22, 09 6:00am
Just checked messages and ISU got done with surgery at 10:45pm last night.  Crystal did well through surgery and was starting
to wake up alredy last night. The surgery took longer than planned.  They will be calling again this morning to give more information 
and I will try to update before 10:00am.  She made it through yet another hurdle!
 
Sept 21, 09 8:45pm
I just called ISU after not hearing back from them and Cystal is STILL in surgery.  They started a little late and it's taking 
a little longer than planned.  I won't update again until tomorrow morning more than likely.   
 
Sept 21, 09 11:00am

Dr Aquafinea just called.  He has been consulting with several other vets about Crystal's prognosis. 
Although she has been eating well they have serious concerns about her malnourishment and if she will be strong enough 
to make it through the surgery, but she has to have the surgery if she has a chance at all. 

She is so malnourished that she will likely get bed sores which can get infection very easily in addition to any 
infection that may develop because of the open fracture.  Its been a week tonight since the accident.  

While Dr Aquafinea is hopeful he is also very realistic.  He says she has so many injuries and much working against 
her that the chances of this being a difficult road is very high.  

He was honest that they will do everything in their power to give her the best shot but also prepared me for her 
not making it through it all.  

They will be doing the surgery around 3:00 PM.  They will call with an update as soon as they are done - sometime around 6pm.  

This is scary information to say the least but we have to know that we tried our very best, if she 
just isn't strong enough to make it through.  

Let's hope she proves them all wrong and does well...
 

9:00 am Monday Sept 21st, 2009

Crystal was transfered from ICU to orthopedics today at ISU Vet Hospital!!!!  That's a GOOD thing!   
She will be having surgery around 1 this afternoon.  Megan is her new student and will be taking pictures during and after 
surgery for us to post to the website and use for a 2nd Chance Fund Grant if needed. 

Still no signs of infection and she continues to be comfortable and of good temperament.  

She is truly blessed to have all of you in her life praying for her and donating your time to get the word out 
and your financial support is what has saved her life!  God bless

Sept 20,09 8:15 am
Crystal is winning the hearts of the staff at ISU:). She continues to be the best patient by far according to the techs.
Her bandage was changed yesterday and it is still infection free!!!  She continues to be fever free. 
She continues to eat and drink really well.  

They will do another dressing change today to see how its looking.  They are hoping to do the surgery 
early this week.

They will be repairing the leg with 4 fractures, removing the ball from her other hip, pinning her ankle and hoping 
for no infection to develop.  These injuries are severe and will take a long day of surgery to attempt to repair them. 

Please continue your thoughts and prayers as she has a long road ahead of her.  

I am hoping to go visit her after her surgery and will take additional pictures to post.  

Thank you all for giving her a 2nd chance...

Sept 19th, 09
I talked to ISU at 11 and she is doing really well.  Eating a lot, drinking a lot and resting very comfortably.  
They are going to change her dressings today.  The xray results arnt officially back yet but they are hopeful that 
she doesn't have any injuries to her bowel or bladder.  They used dye yesterday and showed no leaks

Surgery is planned for early next week.  

Crystals fund:  108 people have now donated or pledged 8,425.00. Our goal to cover any complications and her 
6 weeks of rehabilitation at ISU (they suspect may arrise because of the open fractures) is 10,000.00. 
What a blessing it is for all of you to give so willingly to ensure this sweet little girl heals from what a human 
has done to her.  God Bless you...Rinthea