HandicappedPets.Net

As some of the regulars know on this forum, I recently returned to New York from Varna, Bulgaria. Things are not going well at all financially - in fact, I have even applied for public assistance. My current living conditions are terrible and on top of everything else, I have been unable to retrieve my cargo from Bulgaria, which contains everything I own, including all of Sasha's bedding, extra food, his crate, etc... In short, it has been horrible here since I returned.

Be that as it may, Sasha is doing well, thank heavens, but buying wheels for him is always on my mind. His back legs are kicking, the muscle is building up and he is even able to stand for a few seconds at a time once I get him up in position. I keep him confined to my room for now, because the house I am staying in is a disgrace (staying with a friend of a friend as I have no other options at the moment).

I have not been able to raise even $75 for a cart for him from http://www.dogstogo.net/prices.htm
Small (11 lb. to 20 lb.) $75.00 - If anyone would like to help out, it would certainly brighten the day a bit.

Many thanks.
Leah and Sasha (and little Robbie still in Bulgaria...)

Okaye, creative ladies and gentlemen...we need to put our thinking caps on for Leah. I am copying and pasting this here because anyone who clicks on the link above will see it. Surely, there is someone or an organization that could at the very least stop the $48.50 a DAY charge. Anyone have any connections or knowlege of a solution to this nightmare situation?

"Unexpected Cargo Charges
I recently returned from Eastern Europe to New York. At the time of shipping and paying the cost of the cargo from Bulgaria to NY, I was completely unaware of additional warehouse fees on the NY end. The base charge came to $760 and as of November 8th, the cargo began accruing DAILY storage fees of $48.50. As of today, the charges are $1240 and every day I do not pick up the cargo adds $48.50 to that total. Absolutely everything I own is in the cargo - all my clothing and all household effects (no furniture). I am so desperate, I am asking for any kind of help anyone may have to offer. Please help."

Thank you, Christine. I appreciate your help and suggestions.

A couple more thoughts...are you on Facebook? Just one more way to reach more people.

There is a site where you can ask an expert a question for free. They usually answer in less than three days. The experts come from all over the world and from all walks of life. www.allexperts.com I have gotten advice on several different issues over the past few years.

Is it possible that you might get some assistance from the Bulgarian Consulate General in New York City?

Christine wrote:A couple more thoughts...are you on Facebook? Just one more way to reach more people.

There is a site where you can ask an expert a question for free. They usually answer in less than three days. The experts come from all over the world and from all walks of life. http://www.allexperts.com I have gotten advice on several different issues over the past few years.

Yes, I am on FB, but under an alias. Now that you brought it up, I am going to create another account.

Will try allexperts post haste!

Christine wrote:Is it possible that you might get some assistance from the Bulgarian Consulate General in New York City?

Not an option. I'm not Bulgarian, my estranged husband is the Bulgarian. Frankly, if the Bulgarian Consulate had given me correct information 2 years ago, prior to leaving NY for Bulgaria, I wouldn't be in this position. Consular positions are appointed by "who" you know, not "what".

I checked allexperts.com, but nothing suitable to my situation.
I did, however, do a more refined search (individuals - women's grants - New York) and found the Mayer Foundation: http://foundationcenter.org/grantmaker/ ... duals.html

Currently compiling a letter to them now. Most organizations do not give grants to individuals and are area specific when they do work with individuals. Wish me luck.

Fingers and toes crossed and praying that you are led to the right person who might look beyond bureaucratic "by the book" and give you some common sense assistance.

Hi Leah,

Just checking on you. Have you made any headway?

Hi Christine,

Thank you for asking, but no, nothing at all. I've run out of places to call/write and 99% don't even respond - up to $1970 total today...

The Mayer Foundation http://foundationcenter.org/grantmaker/ ... duals.html has not responded. Even contacted the Foundation Center which hosts their site and although The Mayer Foundation exists, they have not responded to any email or phone requests. What upsets me about this one is they ask for detailed documentation and personal information and then don't acknowledge its receipt. The Foundation was able to contact them directly and they promised to contact me, but nothing...

I also applied at Modest Needs, where they are only requesting the original invoice of $721 and not considering the daily charges. At least this is a verified and legitimate organization:
http://www.modestneeds.org/features/led ... earno=2010
Thanks.

Cargo: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2 ... 11a0626f86
P.S. I use a pseudonym on FB.

With much thanks to a fully funded grant from the Handicapped Pets Foundation , Sasha is now the proud owner of a lightweight cart! We are calling the cart his "roller skates". He doesn't like the process of being put into the cart, but once he's in, he scoots off as if he had been using it for years.

I'm still not certain if he's positioned correctly, so if anyone has any suggestions, critique and guidance is most welcome.



Leah and Sasha

Aww! None of my monsters like wheels much, but I'm glad Sasha does!!