Our sweet girl Maisie gave us quite a scare! Out of nowhere, she seemed very sick — she went back into heat unexpectedly, stopped eating for three days, and even started sounding congested when she breathed. We knew something was wrong and rushed her to the vet the next morning.

That’s when we learned she had pyometra, a fast-moving, life-threatening infection that can happen in unspayed female dogs. The only way to save her was immediate emergency surgery — and thankfully, she made it through.

We’ve been trying to get Maisie spayed since she was rescued as a puppy with her brother, but life kept throwing us curveballs — the end of my 35-year long marriage, medical bills, emergency car and home repairs, and one unexpected expense after another while trying to keep up with everyday costs. It was always the plan, just never the right time. We feel awful that this happened, but my family and I are so grateful she’s still here with us.

Maisie has been my shadow through some of the hardest parts of life — always patient, loving, and loyal beyond words.

Her surgery saved her life, but it came with a cost we weren’t prepared for. My kids and I were forced to use funds meant for essential expenses to make sure she got care immediately. If you know me, you know I'm not comfortable with asking for (personal) assistance, but if you can help in any way — with a donation, a share, or simply sharing kind thoughts — it means the world to us. Every bit helps Maisie get the medicine, follow-up care, and rest she needs to fully heal — and will help our family stay afloat.

Thank you for reading, caring, and helping us give Maisie--and us--the second chance she deserves.