I can’t believe I’m writing this, and asking for help is far outside my comfort zone. On Tuesday — which also happened to be my birthday — I went outside to give my dogs some water and noticed my 13-year-old girl limping. When I took a closer look, my heart dropped. Half of her back paw was gone, with the bone exposed.

We rushed her to the emergency vet at 8 p.m. They immediately bandaged her, took X-rays, and sent us home with antibiotics and three different medications. I was told to keep it wrapped for a few days and come back to see how it healed. Unfortunately, it didn’t improve. I was then given the devastating choice: either put her down or move forward with surgery to amputate the rest of the paw and remove the exposed bone.

I’ve already spent $550 on emergency care, and the surgery is estimated at $2,180. This couldn’t have come at a harder time — right before Christmas — but she has been my loyal companion for 13 years and deserves a chance to live pain-free.

If you’re able to help in any way, whether by donating or sharing, I would be incredibly grateful. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any kindness you’re able to offer.