I didn’t know how I was going to pay for my dog’s surgery.

I was sitting there, hearing the words “life-saving” and “immediate,” and all I could think was… how? How am I going to do this in time?

That’s when the vet told me about something I had never heard of before. They connected me with what I can only describe as a quiet, anonymous foundation. When I got on the phone, I learned it’s not a big organization at all; it’s one woman. Just one. Someone who has chosen to use her own money to help people save their animals.

No spotlight. No recognition. No attention.

She doesn’t even accept electronic payments. She doesn’t advertise. She only helps through trusted vets. And she’s been doing this for a long time.

And somehow… she chose to help me.

They covered the majority of Brisket’s surgery. Not a loan with pressure. Not a demand. They simply asked that I repay a portion, so they can continue helping other animals in situations just like mine.

Not even half. Not even close.

Just enough to keep the kindness going.

And that did something to me. Especially because for the past 2 years, I've been the fundraising coordinator of a non-profit organization and I'm not a stranger to helping the community. This is different, though. Very different.

This wasn’t just financial help… this was someone stepping in during one of the most terrifying moments of my life and saying, “You’re not alone.”

There are moments in life that shake you so deeply, you don’t even recognize yourself in them. The last couple of days have been that for me.

My baby, Brisket, has been fighting for her life.

What started as concern quickly turned into fear… then panic… then prayer. Watching your dog, your "Roo" , your "Mama Girl", your "Hey Girl Friend".... not feel like themselves is one of the most helpless feelings in the world. Brisket wasn’t eating, wasn’t herself, and I knew something was wrong in my spirit before I even had answers. 24 DAYS, TO BE EXACT!!

And then we got them.

There was a toy… stuck in her intestine.

Not something small. Not something that would pass. Something that required immediate, life-saving surgery.

I cannot even explain the feeling of hearing that. The fear. The weight. The “how am I going to do this?” moment.

But God.

Because in the middle of that fear… help found me.

Right now, Brisket is out of surgery, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude. She has another chance. She gets to feel better. She gets to come home.

And I get more time with my baby.

Hi, my name is Janiese... and if you know me, you know my dogs are my whole heart.

My first babies, Hunny and Eli, were my boy/girl pair that I raised from puppies all the way to 16 and 14 years old. Loving them shaped me. They taught me what it means to truly care for something outside of yourself.

Now I have Pizza and Brisket... both rescues from completely different environments... and they are everything to me. They are not just pets. They are family. They’ve been with me through heartbreak, healing, growth… everything.

Brisket especially has such a sweet, loving spirit, and seeing her fight like this has been both heartbreaking and inspiring.

I’m creating this fundraiser with a humble heart.

Not out of expectation; but out of hope.

My goal with this fundraiser is:

• To repay the foundation out of my own pocket... no matter what! That is my responsibility, and I fully intend to honor it

• To raise additional funds on top of that so I can give back even more than what was given to me, helping this quiet act of kindness continue for other animals

• To recover from the financial hit of Brisket’s emergency care, which has already put me in debt from ER visits leading up to her surgery

• To cover Brisket’s aftercare ; including medications, follow-ups, and the extra support she’ll need while I’m working, with help from loved ones stepping in

This fundraiser isn’t covering the full cost of what I owe; not even close. It’s simply to help me stay afloat while I do my part and make sure Brisket gets everything she needs to heal.

This has been unexpected. Emotional. Financially heavy.

But it has also reminded me that there are still people in this world who choose kindness… quietly, intentionally, and without needing anything in return.

If you feel led to give, share, or even just send a prayer for Brisket... I truly appreciate you.

And if you’ve ever loved an animal… then you understand why I’m fighting this hard for her.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. And thank you for being part of Brisket’s second chance. ❤️