Never did I imagine I would be put in a position to create a GoFundMe account, but here I am, where I feel like this is my last hope.   

As many of you may know, I have a fur-baby named Dakota. She has been with me her whole life. It has always been Dakota and I against the world, until recently, both of our worlds came crashing down.     Shortly before our worlds came to a halt, Dakota received a new foster brother! It was my first time fostering, and Dakota's first time having a “sibling” in the house. Dakota loved her new foster brother, but not long after, she started acting depressed. My thought was that maybe she was upset because she was no longer the only dog in the house. It was until then, she stopped eating and progressively got worse. Right away, I took Dakota to the vet. The Doctor found no concerns and set her home to be closely monitored.     

As a couple of days went by, it seemed as if Dakota was only getting worse by the minute. She was no longer the same dog that I knew. A few weeks ago Dakota was admitted to Bluepearl Emergency Hospital in Sarasota.   Numerous tests were quickly performed to figure out why Dakota was so lifeless. After hours of anxiously waiting, the test results come back. It was devastating! Pyometra decided to make its appearance along with Gastropexy. Dakota was immediately transferred to the Fort Myers Emergency location where they were able to perform emergency surgery. Unfortunately, this had happened two weeks prior to her initial surgery date.   No matter the cost, I was going to do everything and anything to save her life. Dakota is my baby, and I’m sure if you have a pet that you love dearly, you do the same.     

With it being an emergency surgery and transferring her between three locations, you can only imagine the vet bill I received. I didn’t blink twice when it came to saving her life, but it came at a very hefty price. I wasn’t prepared, and $7,000 later, I’m scrambling to make ends meet.   I know in today's world the majority wouldn’t be able to afford that. It’s an unimaginable expense. The lengths we go to save our beloved pets are extraordinary. It’s taken me weeks to ask for any help.   

Sometimes, we feel like failures when we have to ask for help. This fear of asking is driven by two factors. First, we think that most people will say no to our requests, and second, we are horrible at perspective-taking. Asking for help often makes people feel uneasy because it requires surrendering control to someone else.   

As I said, it has taken me weeks to overcome this fear of asking for help. I would fight with myself daily, but I've finally come to a conclusion. I’ve put so much good into this world, that I believe it will come around full circle. Maybe this is my time and may help. Sometimes in life, we get hit with the unexpected, and this is exactly what happened to me. I believe if everyone comes together to help each other in times of need, the world will be a better place.  

 I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to read this story.   To everyone who has contributed towards Dakotas GoFundMe and/ or shared her story, has made a difference in our lives. My heart goes out to each and every one of you! There are no words that can possibly thank you enough. I value the help that I’ve received. Thank you so much for your support and love.  

 *I’ve also decided to add a little FUN to the FUNdraiser and will be sending out a pop up beach tent in October once a random name has been selected.