Louisana Woman Is Selling Her Plasma to Raise Money For Her Dog's Treatment

A local Louisana dog mom has been making headlines for donating plasma to fund her dog's treatment. Shana Lowell drives from Denham Springs to Baton Rouge twice a week to donate plasma in order to pay vet bills for her dog Kodiak, KALB-TV reports.

The money she receives from the plasma donations are used to pay for Kodiak, her 13-year-old Pomeranian. Lowell also began selling dreamcatchers and baked goods such as brownies, pralines, pies, and muffins. Lowell has also set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds.

Kodiak's veterinarian believes he has a spinal infection or a bulging or slipped disc, but they are waiting for an MRI to acertain which one it is. An MRI costs between $2,500 and $3,500, but Lowell does not have these funds, according to the vet. 

"Kodiak is my life and has been with me through some difficult times," Lowell told the television station. "I want to do whatever I can to help him and make him pain-free for however many years he has left. I don't expect much because everyone has their own problems and money is tight for so many people, but even if it's $5, any support I get warms my heart."
Lowell already has crossed her $4,000 goal. More than $5,000 had been pledged as of late Thursday.

Kodiak will continue to take anti-inflammatory medications and steroids until his MRI, according to KALB. "Shana is a true hero," said HSLA Director Jeff Dorson to the station. “I have never heard of anyone selling their plasma to help raise money for their pet’s veterinary care. We are happy to help Shana’s cause, and I hope and pray that others in her community and the surrounding areas help Shana reach her goal.”

On her GoFundMe, Shana writes that she has been with animal rescue for almost 17 years, and has spend thousands of dollars helping many others with their pets, as well as to rescue many homeless animals. She also writes that she 'once had a good paying job that allowed me do help others,' but she is now disabled.

She is extremely low on funds, and writes that "this situation with my best friend who is my dog/child has become an overwhelming pain". She has taken him to two vets in the last months and both say that the dog needs MRIs to confirm what is causing the inability to walk for him. "He is on pain medicine at this current time until I can get him to LSU so that an MRI can be done. The cost is expensive and it might even exceed more than gofundme amount but at least that amount will cover the LSU vet visit, steroids, continue to keep him on pain meds and the MRI to determine if it is a spine issue," she continues.

"Kodiak has been with me through some of my darkest moments in life I've had him for 12 years so far and I REFUSE to put him to sleep because I am lackimg the funds to help him. I hate asking for help especially during these times because there are so many people hurting financially. However, I have to set aside my pride and do whatever it takes to raise the money so my precious fur baby who I love wholeheartedly can get some help and maybe return back to his normal self," she writes.

She appeals to people to donate if possible and asks to amplify her story across platforms if one is unable to donate to her cause. Shana's GoFundMe has garnered a lot of supportive comments too. One user comments, "My dog is our world....I honestly don't know what my daughter and I would do without her. I hope that your baby gets the treatment it needs!" Another one expresses solidarity and writes, "I hope your fur baby makes a full recovery soon. And thank you for being such a great fur mom!"

References: 

1. https://www.kalb.com/2022/08/18/dog-owner-sells-plasma-baked-goods-raise-money-vet-bill/

2. https://www.wftv.com/news/trending/louisiana-woman-sells-plasma-baked-goods-raise-money-dogs-vet-bill/75UMR44CRRFJFBTBA7OYA2NHY4/

Cover Image Source: GoFundMe