Community Corner

Readers Open Their Hearts, Wallets for Lulu

The GoFundMe page devoted to Lulu's cause has raised more than $12,000.

The story of Lulu, an ailing German Shepherd that was abandoned at Spoiled Rotten Doggy Daycare in Danvers, really struck a nerve with readers.

The Patch article was posted Sunday afternoon and as of 3 p.m. Monday, more than $12,000 has been donated to help Lulu.

Lulu was abandoned by her previous owner at Spoiled Rotten. Danvers resident Kimberly Hammond Donahue volunteered to foster Lulu until a forever home could be found for the 6-year-old German Shepherd.

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Lulu has a medical condition called esophageal diverticulitis, which requires immediate corrective surgery to allow her to eat and not regurgitate her food. The problem hasn’t been treated for years, said Donahue.

If she doesn’t get the surgery, her condition will worsen and can lead to a secondary condition, such as an infection in her lungs, which can be fatal.

Find out what's happening in Peabodywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Donahue is getting Lulu evaluated by Angell Memorial Hospital, which is the closest facility that can perform such an operation. The operation could cost between $5,000 and $8,000 depending on the severity.

Donahue created a GoFundMe page on Saturday night in hopes of raising enough money for the operation. Her friends and family quickly donated to the cause. On Sunday afternoon, Patch ran the article about Lulu and more than $12,000 has rolled in since then.

Donahue is incredibly thankful for the outpouring.

“I am completely speechless that so many angels have come forward. This is the most amazing show of unconditional love and support that I have ever been honored to be part of,” Donahue wrote on Lulu’s GoFundMe page

Read more about Lulu’s plight and Donahue’s work to save her life here.

Any money raised beyond what is needed for Lulu’s operation and medication will be donated to the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem


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