In 2016, my sister, KC, and the love of her life, Chris Sheppard were planning their lives together, when depression took him away from all of us suddenly and tragically. When he passed, all KC had left of him was their puppy, Remy the German Shepherd. He was the one who brought her through the darkness and kept her going when all seemed lost. Since Chris's passing, they have been inseparable. You rarely see my sister when you don't see Remy watching her protectively from nearby.

This week, Remy developed a sudden case of GDV, or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, which is a life-threatening emergency in dogs where the stomach fills with gas and then twists, cutting off blood flow and blocking digestion. She rushed him to the emergency vet, where they told her he would be gone within the hour without surgery. She wasn't ready to let go of such a vital and precious part of both Chris and herself, so she agreed. During surgery, his spleen also had to be removed.

He is currently in recovery in intensive care, but the costs add up quickly. The initial surgery was $6,000, but inevitably there will be more.

KC would never ask for help herself, so I'm asking for her. If you have ever cried into warm fur after a long day or a terrible loss, or looked into eyes that seem to know what you're feeling without any words, you know what she is going through. Every small donation will add up to help her make sure Remy is comfortable and well taken care of, and focus on him. I would appreciate it from the bottom of my heart, on behalf of Chris's memory, my sister, and Remskins.