Mazzy is, and will continue to be, a big personality. She loves her mom, Emme, the chickens that live in the backyard, and playing a game of fetch till your arms are sore. She’s a loving, energetic, and happy dog.

Mazzy was taken to Dr. Dan Hume at WestVet because her mom noticed that she was bleeding from her nose and mouth. The vet also found bruising on her belly and small spots on her tongue.

This meant there was a problem with her blood's ability to clot.

After running blood tests, it confirmed that her platelet count is incredibly low.

Platelets are the cells that help stop bleeding;a low count can happen for a few reasons:

1. The body isn't making enough.

2. They are being lost through bleeding.

3. The body is destroying them.

In Mazzy's case, she may have a condition called Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia (IMT).

This means she is experiencing the third option: her immune system is mistakenly targeting and destroying her platelets.

Treatment for IMT involves using immunosuppressive medications, like the steroids she was put on to stop the immune system's attack. This often requires long-term treatment for at least 4-6 months, and in some cases, it can be a lifelong condition to manage.

The vet performed chest x-rays and an abdominal ultrasound to look for underlying causes, collected samples from one of her lymph nodes, and a urine sample for further testing.

Mazzy is now on medications to suppress her immune system and stop it from attacking her platelets.

While Mazzy may be on bedrest so she doesn’t bleed further while her medication begins working, her mom is worried sick.

The bill of this vet visit has totaled more than $5,000 and is still climbing.

Emme is a hardworking woman; she shoots straight and knows what she wants.

She is the definition of a strong and independent woman. However, she may have a hard time asking for help.

On her behalf, her friends have come together to set this fundraiser up.

She loves Mazzy; we love Mazzy too.

But more than loving Mazzy, we love Emme.

Her determination and strength in all aspects of her life inspire us.

She offers us advice, she throws us fantastic parties, and she loves us right back.

Help us give back to the friend we owe so much to, and maybe Mazzy will invite you for a game of fetch.