I adopted Ada during an Empty the Shelters event when she was around nine months old, in July 2016. She was very shy, and did not seem to think that anyone would be interested in her so she simply sat at the back of her kennel without trying to get attention or pets. Once we got her out on the play yard to meet her, I knew she was going to be mine and told her mommy would be back to take her home.

It quickly became obvious that Ada was (and still is!) a Disney princess in dog form. I owned a teddy hamster at the time, and it quickly became her 'big sister'. She would let the hamster crawl all over her, ride on her back, supervise while she was in the hamster ball, and just hang out with her. She has always loved kids, and despite not realizing her size when she was younger, has always been gentle with the little ones. At our old apartment complex where Ada grew up, she would sit in her chair on our second floor balcony and people watch. It got to where everyone knew her by name.

Ada is the sweetest dog you will ever meet. She charms everyone she crosses paths with. She's been a 'guest speaker' for projects while I was in college, participated in trunk-or-treats. She's food driven, loves to cuddle and watch TV (her favorite show is the Golden Girls) but she's been known to rip open a stuffed toy or two, and knock whatever you're holding out of your hand to get your attention.

Saturday night into Sunday morning (March 14-15), Ada was sleeping but started shaking and her breathing became a bit funny. After a little bit, she vomited and that seemed to make her feel a bit better, enough that we weren't concerned. A few hours later, in the early morning, she threw up again, and came to me every hour after that, looking like she wanted to vomit again. She refused to eat but was drinking water. However, she became considerably weaker and less responsive. When she heard her name, she would look at us, but not perk up like usual. She only went outside once and seemed very tired. She had periods of alertness but periods where it was like she forgot where she was or what she was doing.

She found the strength to follow her grandpa to the door, wanting to go for a ride with him, but a minute later, was standing in the kitchen looking so lost and pained that something in my gut told me that she couldn't wait for our regular vet to open in the morning. My spouse came home from work and drove us nearly 30 minutes away to the vet emergency recommended by our vet, and she was seen almost immediately. Right away, they discovered she had fluid in her abdomen, and she was running a high fever. After the first round of tests, they are now treating her for acute pancreatitis, but found some concerning issues with her liver that will require follow-up and treatment with her regular vet.

Ada is currently hospitalized and will be for the next three days in Intensive Care, as she requires a medication for treatment that is administered via IV every 24 hours. Her doctors performed an ultrasound and will be taking x-rays as well. The down payment for her treatment was $3,208 and we later paid an additional $3000 for the hospital stay and medication. We aren't sure yet what to expect with her liver issues, but all signs are pointing to it being manageable.

This dog is my everything. She has been with me through three college degrees, marriage, moving, everything. I recently graduated and am currently unemployed, which is challenging for moving forward with her treatment. I understand that times are hard but I appreciate every little bit that you can contribute to help us pay off Ada's medical loan and to help with future treatment. If you know us, you know that she is my soul dog, and that she is a literal angel on earth. Donate, share--anything you can do to help is appreciated more than I will ever be able to express. It pains me to have to ask for help, but that is how much I love Ada, and unfortunately, this hit us at a bad time.

Thank you to everyone who reads our story and helps in any way they can--not only do I appreciate it, but so does my boobear <3