Nala Needs Your Help

Hi everyone...I hoped to never have to do this, but here we are. Many of you know my sweet Nala bear--she's been my best friend, roommate and travel buddy for the past 10 years.

Last week I took Nala to a new vet for a wellness checkup. Her vet was feeling around her belly and felt a large mass in her abdomen. X-rays showed a significant growth, and yesterday an ultrasound with an oncologist confirmed she has a 6-inch splenic mass. We do not know what type of mass/tumor it is yet, but we do know it needs to come out ASAP, as it's at risk of rupturing otherwise.

Nala is on restricted activity and is scheduled for surgery next week. Those of you who know me can probably guess how I'm dealing with this. Nala is my entire life, and I'm doing my best to be strong for her. While we are hopeful for a good outcome and solid recovery, I cannot help but worry for my girl.

Between her initial visit with X-rays and her ultrasound with the specialist, her bills are currently at $1,700. Her surgery estimate is between $2,300-3,200. While I've kept quiet about it, I have been through many significant life changes in the past month or two, including an unexpected cross-country move. Finding a new home, new work, and now not being able to work in person because Nala needs constant supervision has me financially strapped at the moment. I know Nala is my responsibility and I would go bankrupt for this dog, but I have to swallow my pride and ask for help so we can ensure she gets the care she needs as soon as possible.

I'm sure some of you are surprised to see this news online rather than directly from me. I genuinely wish I had the emotional energy to reach out individually to everyone who knows and loves Nala and me. Please understand that this has been incredibly difficult for me to talk about in person, and that it may be tough for me to reach out individually or respond promptly at the moment. But we are eternally grateful for your concern and well wishes, and for every single dollar you could spare to help us out. I want to give my unicorn girl the best chance at getting old and gray with me like she deserves.