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Dear Animal Compassion Networkers,
Bella, our sweet 8-year-old American Bulldog, just came out of amputation surgery for a rear leg that has been causing her excruciating pain for years. Our thanks to everyone who donated towards Bella's surgery. We did a very good thing for a truly deserving dog. 
Bella and her foster dad, Tom Here is the latest update from her amazing foster family: " She's doing great. Getting around real well. She has been so sweet and accepting of her situation. She does have to wear her 'collar of shame' when we can't be right with her because she really wants to lick her staples out!! Tom took her back to the animal hospital once to have several put back in after she got them out. The surgeon (who loves Bella too!!) said there was some infected tissue in the joint, even feared it could be cancerous! But the pathology report came back clean---no cancer! We are walking her as often as the weather allows and she loves it. Very calm and obedient on the leash. So all things considered, Bella's recovery has been good and she is just as sweet and loving as ever. Soon she will be done with her antibiotics and pain meds and her life can finally be simple and pain-free!! She is such a dream-dog!! We feel so lucky to have her with us!!" A special, heartfelt thank you to Bella's veterinarian, Dr. Amy Plankenhorn and Animal Hospital of North Asheville. Dr. Plankenhorn not only did a superb job of diagnosing and developing the plan of treatment for Bella, she then volunteered her services for Bella's surgery, saving ACN hundreds of dollars that will be used to save other homeless pets. Throughout the entire process, Dr. Plankenhorn was thorough, gentle and compassionate with Bella and the two developed a special bond - a trust that helped Bella get through the difficult procedure and recovery process. We at Animal Compassion Network are truly inspired by both Dr. Plankenhorn and Animal Hospital of North Asheville, one of ACN's most generous sponsors. They have helped hundreds of animals like Bella find a second chance at life and love through ACN. 
Dr. Plankenhorn
Don't forget the big holiday coming up. How wonderful to dedicate an entire day to those who love us unconditionally, accept us for exactly who we are, and forgive us when we forget to bring them something special back from the store. They have stolen our hearts (and the majority of our bed) and we wouldn't have it any other way. That's right, February 22 is National Spay Day and that means it is time for the 8th  Annual Dine to Be Kind! We have over 50 restaurants joining us this year - some very old friends who have been our gracious supporters since our first event in 2004, some new friends eager to do what they can to ease the suffering of local cats and dogs, and some who are even opening on days they are usually closed just to show us the love. See a full list of our partners below and follow their links to check out their menus. Whether you're in the mood for a sandwich and a beer, an elegant five-course dinner, a giant stack of pancakes, a glass of wine with hors d'oeuvres, a decadent ice cream cone or a gourmet pizza or burrito to go, we have what you want.
I have to give a shout out here to those of you who visit a different eatery for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert in honor of Dine to Be Kind. You need a club name... suggestions welcome! Those special folks know that each time you order anything from anyone on the participating list on Tuesday, February 22, that restaurant will donate a portion of your check to ACN's Betty Fund, which pays for up to the full cost of spay/neuter surgery for the pets of low-income families, as well as ACN's other lifesaving programs. Let's face it, as hard as we work to find homes for all of the homeless cats and dogs, we will never adopt ourselves out of this crisis - we must intervene at the source. And our hard work is paying off - the Buncombe County Shelter reported a 30% drop in animal intake last year. That's certainly something worth celebrating! May I suggest you do it at one of these lifesaving partners:
Also happening this month: 
Yours in rescue,
Eileen
Eileen Bouressa, Executive Director
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