In January, we had to say goodbye to our first baby, Ryleigh (12-year-old Lab mix). Ryleigh struggled with lymphoma for 4 months until she couldn’t fight anymore. We loved her through every new symptom and every step of the way.

In March, we decided to adopt a new puppy to bring some life back into our family. After grieving such a huge presence in our family, we were so excited to adopt Nami, who is a bundle of snuggles and sunshine. She fit right in! She fell in love with her big sisters, Lana (12-year-old Pit Bull) and Eliza (14-month-old human-baby). Lana suddenly turned back into a young dog. She started playing again, playing tug-of-war, and running around the yard finding sticks to chew with her little sister. Eliza started snuggling Nami, because they are the same size. Nami fits into our family so well in so many different ways. She’s a Baldwin now.

In her routine check-up, the vet found a loud heart murmur. After conducting an ECHO, they discovered that she has heart defect consistent with pulmonic stenosis. This means the valve in her heart does not function properly. She has no symptoms right now, thanks to God’s grace, but her defect is severe and needs immediate attention.

NC State University Cardiology recommends Nami for a procedure called a Balloon valvuloplasty. They said that if she receives the surgery, she will live a long life. However, if we only treat it with medication, she will live 1-2 years. She could also suffer sudden health emergencies at any point.

Finding out all of this was overwhelming and we went to God with all of our anxiety. We believe that God guided us to adopt this sweet loving girl. We believe our God provides.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

We are turning to our vast support system for help during this stressful time. Her surgery is estimated to be anywhere from $4,600-7,000. If there is anything you could do to help us provide this life changing surgery for her, we would be grateful. Pits and Giggles Rescue, Nami’s first home, is helping us by matching 100% the amount we raise.

We are praying and watching our God work through this. Thank you to everyone who is helping us fix our girl’s heart, because she helped heal ours.