Who this will help

Hi, I'm Lydia Wilts and Mimi is my sweet pup. I got her back in 2013 as a high school graduation present to myself. My family has always described her as me in dog form, just my perfect little match.

Why I'm fundraising

Recently, Mimi suddenly lost quite a bit of weight (about 5 pounds, going from 18 pounds down to 13.5) and started slowing down. I took her into my vet on 12/28 and found out that she was severely anemic and they weren't sure as to why but they recommended I go to VERG in Brooklyn for more immediate care. We moved over there and spent the day doing tests and basically coming up with nothing conclusive yet. There are a couple tests we are still waiting on results from that could give answers as to why she is anemic but at this point, they are thinking it's IMHA (immune- mediated hemolytic anemia) which could have a secondary cause but often the body basically just decides to attack the red blood cells. It's an auto-immune disorder that we really just don't have all the answers as to why it sometimes happens. After hours of tests (between both vets that day about 10 hours worth and $3k), it was decided that she was not needing a transfusion at that time. They put her on antibiotics, steroids, and an anticoagulant and sent me home, with a request to go to my vet within 5-7 days for more blood work to monitor the anemia.

Thoughout the weekend, Mimi seemed fairly happy though still low energy. Squeaking her toys, eating well, drinking water, and snuggling with me and her pup brother Scamp. On 1/3 I took her to my vet for more blood work for $400. She had put back on a very tiny bit of weight but nothing significant.

On 1/4 as I was entering my workplace, I got a call telling me that her blood work came back and she looked to be getting more anemic and they recommended internist intervention ASAP. I wasn't able to get an appointment with internist for a few weeks so they suggested emergency care at VERG once I got off work. I got to VERG with Mimi around 2am and they took her into triage and then immediately felt she needed ICU.

The vet told me that they were very concerned seeing the results from yesterday and also with a small ultrasound probe, they found a pocket of liquid near her bladder that wasn't there last week. It was very tiny and they weren't sure if they would be able to aspirate it (ultimately they were not but are keeping an eye on it) to test if it was blood or not. They also wanted to run the blood tests again to confirm if she needed a transfusion.

When the results came back, it was determined that she did need a transfusion which would mean overnight care (most likely 48+ hours) and a whole heap of other things and lots of possibilities of more, intensive care. Due to finances, I had to take some of the biggest scary possibilities off the board because I just couldn't afford it.

Ultimately, I had to admit her and send her towards a transfusion with the hopes it could save her or at least put a small bandaid while information could be found. For that alone, barring complications and covering 48 hours of care, another $4.5k was paid. This effectively cleaned out my savings and checking, my mother's savings, and a donation from a friend. It was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made, which was compounded by going home alone to my other dog Scamp. They've been together since mid 2013 and he immediately searched my whole apartment and started bringing me all her toys, worrying frantically.

Currently, she is still there and as of 15 minutes ago, still receiving her transfusion. Doing seemingly well but no news currently. Depending on the outcome of today as well as if a diagnosis can be made from this, she will need care for at least a while and checkups pretty often to watch her blood work and make sure she is stable or progressing.

Basically right now, I am just a terrified dog mom trying to do the best for my baby but also knowing I don't have any more funds to contribute in the case of more extensive care needed. Mimi still has so much life left in her and I'm just not ready to let her go if it's not necessary and don't want the reason to be financial. I just want my sweet cuddle buddy back home with me and ready to keeping kicking.

The impact of your support

The funds raised here will go directly towards her care and ensure I have the funds to be able to do the life-saving treatments that may be necessary over the next period of time. It will also help cover long-term medication if necessary and any left would be used towards the vet checkups that will be needed to follow her progress.