Happy Holidays!

This is my little Thorin – my 3 pound, 11-year-old Chihuahua. He’s my soul dog, my psychiatric therapy dog, the one who’s been there for me through everything. He senses when I’m having a hard day and stays right by my side—he’s literally the reason I get up some mornings when things feel too heavy. He’s my constant little shadow, my everything.

In this season of giving, I’m hoping for a real Christmas miracle for my tiny Thorin.

Thorin was diagnosed with Corneal Endothelial Degeneration (CED) in both eyes. It’s a genetic condition where the innermost layer of his cornea doesn’t pump out fluid like it should. Fluid builds up, making his corneas thick and cloudy, and it’s getting harder for him to see. It weakens them too, leading to painful ulcers that can get infected.

Without treatment, it’ll just keep getting worse—more swelling, more pain, more ulcers, and eventually he can go blind. The good news is there’s a surgery that can fix it: a Superficial Keratectomy combined with a Conjunctival Advancement Graft. This procedure thins the cornea and uses his own tissue to bring in blood vessels that help drain the fluid naturally. No more ulcers, no more pain, and he keeps his sight.

I’m on a fixed income from SSDI, and the specialist vet bills are more than I can handle. I’ve already paid a lot out of pocket for the exams and initial care. The surgery and follow-ups are more than I can afford. I’ve never done something like this before – never asked for donations for

myself. It feels really awkward, and I feel ashamed that I can’t just provide this for him on my own. He deserves the very best, and it breaks my heart that I can't just provide it for him.

All donations will go directly toward Thorin’s veterinary bills, medications, treatments, and ongoing care. Any money raised over the goal will be paid forward to organizations that help others struggling to pay their pets’ medical bills. I have discovered there is lots of need but little assistance available.

This is my greatest Christmas wish – to see Thorin pain-free, with no vision problems; looking up at me like he always does. Any help at all makes a difference. Even sharing this page helps so much. I’ll keep everyone updated with pictures and news every step of the way.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Merry Christmas,

Rachel & Thorin