In Memory of Claire

On July 4, 2012, Fr. Eddie and Anna witnessed a young, frail stray dog almost get hit by cars twice on the main street in Whiteriver, Az.  They picked her up and put her in the dog run at the church.

They were able to get some food and water in her.  She was very skinny and not moving much.  They named her Claire, after St. Claire, who was a close friend of St. Francis.

They called me, Rosalie, on July 6.  I came down and took her to the Blue Ridge Pet Clinic in Lakeside.  When she was admitted, she had a heart rate of 12, 120 is normal.  She was covered with ticks, and her blood tests confirmed she had Tick fever.  We didn’t expect her to survive the night.  She was eating well, and we had some hope for her.  She would lift her head, but she did not try to get on her feet.  She just laid on her side.  

July 9, Dr. Rowe called me to come to the vet clinic to look at Claire.  She was such a pitiful and sad sight.  She was fighting so hard for her life and looked exhausted.

I took her home to care for her.  She ate a little but I had to give her water with a syringe.  She tried to lift her head and would wag her tail when I walked up to her.  I gave her a lot of attention and held her and talked to her and prayed for her.  I hoped to stimulate her and give her more will to live.

I let my dogs come to her and smell and talk to her.  I was hoping they would stimulate her more.  Her survival looked hopeful that night.

Tues. she took a turn for the worse and I had to force feed her tiny bites.  I was still using a syringe to get water in her.

I had to go to the Dr.  in Flagstaff on Wed., Fr. Eddie had to go to the Dr. in Phoenix on Wed.  Tony, who was staying at the retreat center at the church offered to care for her Wed.

Tony and Joe picked Claire   up Tues. night.

Thurs. Claire passed.  We were heart broken.  We had covered Claire with lots of love and prayer in her last days.

The vet bill for Claire was $997.00.  The church is not prepared for such a large bill.  We are asking for donations to the church for money to pay for Claire’s vet bill and money to have an emergency medical account.  We want to be able to help future dogs in need.  

The plight of the homeless strays on the reservation is dire.  It is an overwhelming task.  We try to help all we can with food and medical care.

We need your help.  We are thankful for all the help you can give us.  God bless you for caring about the strays and helping St. Francis Church with our stray dog ministry.