A message from Ralphie’s mom, Olivia Brooks

“Meet Ralphie,

Ralphie is a 9 month old, 4 and a half pound Yorkie. He is the sweetest, spunkiest tiny dog you’ll ever meet! He loves other dogs, toys, car rides, and most importantly his momma! Despite his happy go lucky personality, little Ralphie has not been dealt a very fair hand in life. I got Ralphie from a breeder who had him living in very poor conditions, he was 4 months old and not well cared for. I knew as soon as I saw him that I could not leave him in those conditions, so I took Ralphie home with me. From the beginning, I noticed something was off. Ralphie had several coughing fits, and began shaking so hard that it almost seemed like he was seizing at times. He’s aspirated into his lungs and had to be put on oxygen, which was terrifying. We have been to the emergency vet over 6 times thus far. Ralphie was diagnosed with a collapsed trachea that could be managed with medicine. I was so relieved that he was okay, and hoped that we could go on living a normal life together. It was only a few months after this that Ralphie began having trouble urinating. After visiting several specialists, the treatment team believes that Ralphie has a portosystemic shunt. Unfortunately, over half of the dogs who don't have surgery and are treated medically are eventually euthanized, typically within 10 months of diagnosis. This is because of neurologic difficulties or continued liver damage. Dogs that do best with long-term medical management are usually older at the time of diagnosis and aren't as severely affected. Surgery is usually, but not always, the best option for a normal life span. I want to give Ralphie the best chance at survival as I can, but the costs of testing alone are overwhelming, not to mention the amount of money already spent thus far. I am a 2020 graduate with my masters of social work from SU, and just started my job as an emergency department social worker at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany. I have been trying my best to save money for him but these setbacks have been unpredictable. Ralphie is now requiring more diagnostic testing and will require a CT test to confirm exactly where the shunt is and if all goes well, will undergo surgery. I would be eternally grateful for any amount you are willing to donate! I brought Ralphie home during a very tough time in my life and he has brought me nothing but happiness. He is my first dog, my bubba and my best friend. He deserves the world! Thank you ❤️