My life changed when I found a neglected pit bull on the side of the road. She was scared, alone, wounded, and in desperate need of help. Despite my own struggles with PTSD and depression, I couldn’t turn away. I spent hours setting up a makeshift camp to shelter her in place until it was safe to move her. With creativity and determination, I built a ramp from a thrift store surfboard and created a safe space in my car, using an asbestos abatement-like containment to prevent disease transmission until I could get her seen at the vet. That first night, we camped together in the car, both of us unsure but hopeful. Like most Pit Bulls I’ve known, she has the often humorous trait of spatial awareness that wherever you need to lay to be comfortable is exactly where she should position herself & the other 98% of the bed is just off limits.

Caring for her has given me a sense of purpose and hope during a time when I’ve felt isolated and alone. She quickly became my emotional support animal, offering companionship and comfort when I needed it most. However, focusing on her immediate rescue needs has meant I haven’t been able to work, and now we’re facing urgent challenges. We need safe shelter, car repairs (the heat in the car recently started malfunctioning & not sure if this is a simple fix or not), and she needs a full veterinary workup to make sure she’s healthy and to address any care needs.

Your support will help us meet our immediate survival needs and give us a chance to move forward together. I’m deeply grateful for any kindness you can offer. As things develop, I hope to share more about how our journey might help others facing similar challenges, especially around accessibility, emotional support animals, and mental health. Thank you for being part of our story and for helping us find hope.

Donations can be sent to:

https://venmo.com/u/Jaime-Masick-2