Elves For Izzy is the brainchild of Dogs Do Smile owner Carly and Gunnar's Place owner Tamara.
The owners of both dog-oriented small businesses in the Comox Valley have decided as a team to try to help animals in the community. They had a fundraising dog costume party that benefited Kitty Cat PALS last month and now they are focusing on trying to raise money for Izzy.
Izzy was rescued from the Yukon by a rescue society called Turtle Gardens in Topley, B.C. Carly's family adopted her at four months old.
She has thrombocytopenia, a condition where blood platelets become too low. Izzy has been getting stiff in her hind legs after a long walk or had trouble climbing into the car.
Izzy also has a severe case of hip dysplasia, an abnormal formation of the hip socket, which can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. Izzy is only 10 months old.
Total hip replacement surgery in Vancouver costs more than $5,000 per hip. The success rate is high and Izzy could live a long, pain-free, normal life.
A fundraiser is happening Dec. 8 and 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Gunnar’s Place Canine Sitting Services at 3950 Livingstone Rd. in Royston. There will be pictures with Santa for your dog and family, and toenail trims for your dog, both by donation. There will also be a silent auction. There will be local crafters and venders so you can do your Christmas shopping, and you can even bring your dog for a play in the fenced dog area.
If local businesses wish to donate prizes for the silent auction, they can e-mail dogsdosmile@shaw.ca or call Tamara at 250-897-2328. The website is www.elvesforizzy.webs.com.