Three weeks ago, I walked into a listing appointment expecting to talk about real estate.

Instead, I walked out with a dog who desperately needed help.

Meet Ella, a girl who has clearly been through hell and somehow still has the gentlest soul.

Goal: $3,000

• $2,000 tail amputation surgery

• $1,000 continued medications, vet care, and recovery

When I first saw her, I was shocked. Her fur was almost completely gone. Her entire body was bright red and inflamed from a severe bacterial and yeast infection that had spread across her skin. She had open sores and wounds from scratching and infection.

Her ears were even worse.

Both ears were packed with infection so severe that the vet believes she has already suffered some permanent hearing loss. She had clearly been living in constant pain for a long time.

The plan for her was not veterinary care.

The owner told me he was going to handle it “the old-fashioned way… with a shovel.” Those were his exact words.

There was absolutely no way I was going to leave her there. In that moment, I loaded her into the Jeep and we rushed straight to the vet.

Since that day, we have been working nonstop to stabilize her. Ella is now on multiple medications, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, and pain medication. She’s getting frequent medicated baths and specialized care to try to get the infections under control. She’s also eating specialized food while we try to identify the underlying allergy issues that may have contributed to all of this.

In just three weeks, I’ve already spent over $2,000 out of pocket on her care between emergency vet visits, medications, testing, and supplies.

And unfortunately, we’ve now discovered another serious issue.

The infection and damage to her skin also affected her tail. The tissue has deteriorated so badly that parts of it are no longer receiving proper blood flow. The veterinary team has told me the safest and most humane option is to amputate her tail before the tissue dies further or infection spreads into her bloodstream.

Without surgery, this could become life-threatening. The surgery is estimated to cost about $2,000.

I never planned on rescuing a dog that day. But once she was in my car and we were headed to the vet, she became my responsibility. And despite everything she has been through, Ella is incredibly gentle and loving. She curls up next to you, leans into every touch, and just wants to be close to someone.

She deserves the chance to live without pain.

I’m raising $3,000 to help cover her tail amputation surgery and the continued medical care she needs while we get her healthy again.

If you’re able to donate, share this page, or even just send encouragement, it would mean the world to both of us. Thank you for helping give Ella the second chance she deserves.