On 8 December, at 7:30 a.m., Debbie writes:

Over the river and thru' the snow
to NC State we go.
My mom knows the way,
we're going today . . .

Hey, why the suitcase? I just got here. I promise to be good . . . .

Will you look at that face?
We packed Kellie a few things in anticipation of her being away from home for a few days and we are off to see the cardiologist this very minute. I promise to update all of you as soon as I am able.

I want to thank every donor on this page. Without your unbelievable generosity, this wouldn't be possible. We exceeded our goal beyond my wildest imaginings.

It is important to remember is that there are many Kellies. Not all of them with conditions this dire, but nonetheless, they all have needs and these needs cost money. Every extra dollar raised not needed for Kellie's care will go to help other Kellies in rescue.

That evening, Debbie writes:

Kellie & I traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina, home of NC State College of Veterinary Medicine. It is a phenomenal state-of-the-art facility. I was impressed the moment I drove onto the campus. Every effort was made to ensure that we were well-informed and comfortable while we were their guests.

Ashley Larson (fourth-year vet student) & Dr. Timothy Hodge

Kellie was first greeted by a fourth-year vet student whose job it was to record her medical history. When she had finished with that, we were left to wait for the cardiologist to come do his examination of Kellie and to go over what would happen. Dr. Timothy Hodge, the cardiology resident, examined Kellie and began the long. very difficult process of trying to educate me regarding Patent Ductus Arteriosus. I now know how much I don't know.

Ashley & Dr. Hodge listen to Kellie's heart

I feel completely confident with the decision we made regarding Kellie's care. We have the best of the best at our disposal and it is such a blessing. Dr. Hodge drew diagrams and allowed me to ask as many redundant questions as I could possibly muster. The echocardiogram was repeated so they would have the most current pictures when they begin her procedure tomorrow. Late in the afternoon, we had the opportunity to meet Dr. Bruce Keene, who a member of the faculty and the Senior Cardiologist in charge of Kellie's care. Isn't it just awesome that Dr. Keenes very first dog was an Airedale Extraordinaire? He was so impressed with our sweet girl. In fact I was told that several staff members wanted to take her home. They'll have to get in line because the interest in her has been astounding.

Ashley, Dr. Bruce Keene & Dr. Timothy Hodge

Kellie is scheduled for her heart procedure tomorrow morning (12/9/10). I have the utmost faith in the team in place to help her. I've only been home a couple of hours and they have already called me once this evening to let me know that she is settling in for the night. She is apparently quite comfortable and relaxed. Their hope is to do the less-invasive procedure and they believe that she is a great candidate for it.

Once again, on behalf of North Carolina Airedale Rescue and Kellie, I thank each one of you reading these words for your financial & emotional support. This little girl has bumpy road ahead of her, but we are committed to seeing her over it. We have the best medical care east of the Mississippi on her team. With them and with all of you, she can't fail. There will be more tomorrow as soon as I get word from the hospital.