Community raises nearly $10K to save Sachem teacher’s ailing dog

Sara Rivadeneyra’s 6-year-old collie Sulli needs emergency surgery

For six years, Sulli has been more than just a pet to Sara Rivadeneyra — the collie has been her source of comfort through life’s most challenging moments.

Now, as the educator’s beloved dog fights for his life, the community is returning that comfort.

A GoFundMe campaign to save Sulli has raised nearly $10,000 in just three days.

Kari Delemarre-Brand of Ridge launched the fundraiser for Rivadeneyra, 31, an English teacher at Sachem High School North whose 6-year-old pet needs emergency surgery to stay alive.

Sulli was recently hospitalized and requires immediate surgery. The campaign has struck a chord with donors who’ve rallied to help cover the costs.

Rivadeneyra is a Longwood High School graduate who played lacrosse at Farmingdale State College before becoming an educator. She now lives in Ridge.

Two paralyzed dogs and the Selden man who never lets them down

The fundraiser for Sulli comes as Rivadeneyra navigates personal challenges beyond the veterinary emergency, according to her friend. She’s already dealing with grief and stress, said Delemarre-Brand.

“Losing him would be devastating, especially now when Sara is already coping with so much,” Delemarre-Brand wrote.

The online fundraiser had received nearly 150 donations as of noon on Thursday.

_{Top: Sara Rivadeneyra and her dog, Sulli (photo courtesy of GoFundMe).}

Two paralyzed dogs and the Selden man who never lets them down