PLATTEVILLE, Wis. -- Trisha and Tiana Faust got their Christmas wish this week. What they wanted more than anything was a healthy Trixie, the family pooch.
Trixie, a well-behaved 10-year-old border collie-German shorthair mix, was diagnosed earlier this year with Chondrosarcoma -- a tumor of the cartilage. The tumor on Trixie's face is slow-growing and can be surgically removed.
But the surgery costs a minimum of $2,500, money the family did not have.
One week ago, the Telegraph Herald published a story chronicling the family's plight. On Sunday night, Michelle Faust, the girls' mother, received a call from a Dubuque woman -- who wished to remain anonymous. The woman delivered a substantial contribution to the family on Tuesday night, in a snowstorm.
Wednesday, Faust and her daughters sorted through about a 6-inch stack of mail, much of it offering encouragement and donations.
As of Friday afternoon, the family had collected $5,304.64.
"I couldn't believe it," Faust said. "It is so overwhelming."
On Tuesday, weather-permitting,
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The outpouring of generosity is making a joyful holiday for the family.
"I feel so relieved knowing that our baby is going to be better," Faust said.
She wishes there was a way to publicly acknowledge every donation, including a $500 matching grant from Miller Foundation Charitable Accounts Treasury, of Platteville.
"From pennies, nickels, dimes and everything on up," Faust said. "It is so important, no matter how small or large. It all means a lot to me."
The family will use what money is left for post-surgery follow-up visits and treatments. They also will make donations to the Iowa County Humane Society in Dodgeville and the Dubuque Humane Society.
