Update:

It is with the heaviest hearts and deepest sorrow that we share this final update. Our beloved Gigi didn't make it.

Last evening, Gigi's condition took a sudden turn for the worse, and it was obvious she was in trouble. Her breathing was labored and she appeared to be listless . We rushed her to the animal hospital, but it was too late. The veterinarians came to us and confirmed that our sweet girl had passed.

Our hearts are completely broken. There is now a hole in our family and in our home that can never be filled. This loss is made even more profound as it comes just days after my poor wife attended the memorial for her oldest brother. To lose Gigi now is an almost unbearable grief.

We want to extend our deepest, most sincere gratitude to every single one of you. To those who shared our fundraiser, to those who so generously donated, and to all who were there for our family with messages of hope and support—Thank You. Your kindness gave us a fighting chance and, more importantly, showed us we were not alone in our love for her. In our darkest moments, your compassion was a light in a tunnel of darkness.

We find a small measure of peace in imagining that Gigi has now passed over the Rainbow Bridge to meet the sisters and brother who went before her: Bert, Shamu, Missy, Honey, Bella, Mimi, Sashi, and Bessy. We pray that they are all together now, running and playing, completely free of pain and suffering.

In her memory, we wanted to share this beautiful poem that has brought comfort to so many.

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The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.

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Gigi Saved Our Family. Now We Must Save Her.

Life has a way of kicking you when you’re already down. My wife has endured the devastating loss of her parents and, most recently, her oldest brother. She is crumbling inside—and now Gigi, her 9-year-old Pomeranian, her rock and emotional guardian, is in desperate trouble.

Our brave little girl has suddenly lost the use of her hind legs, and we need your help to save her.

To understand why Gigi is so much more than a pet, you need to know she is a true hero. When I was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer, Gigi was my wife’s lifeline. She was a constant, comforting presence through the darkest and most terrifying days of my treatment. She traveled with us, staying in motels during every round of chemotherapy and radiation, never complaining, always there to rest her head on my wife’s lap. Without Gigi, I don’t know how my wife would have survived that journey. Gigi was a life saver, a constant source of strength in our family's biggest fight.

And now, Gigi has a fight of her own. A few weeks ago, after being treated for knee pain, her hind legs suddenly stopped working. X-rays show damage to both knees and suggest possible herniated discs, but we don't have a clear answer. Our veterinarian says the critical next step is an MRI to diagnose the problem, which will then be followed by one or more surgeries to get her back on her feet.

The cost is catastrophic. The MRI alone is thousands of dollars, with the total for diagnosis and surgeries estimated to be between $10,000 and $15,000. This is a cost we simply cannot afford.

Anyone who has met Gigi knows she’s a spunky, sassy, and fiercely loyal soul. Weighing under 8 lbs, she believes she’s the size of a Bull Mastiff, fearlessly leading her pack of 3 much bigger dog siblings. She is the "Princess of our home," adored by our five grandchildren who live with us. When my wife is happy, Gigi is happy. When my wife is sad, Gigi is right there, comforting her. My wife always says that when she looks into Gigi’s eyes, she sees pure, unconditional love.

That love saved our family. Now, it's our turn to save her.

We are heartbroken and feel completely helpless. I have never asked anyone for help in my life, but we are out of options. We are hoping and praying that a crowd of caring people can help us give Gigi the chance she so desperately deserves.

Please, help us get Gigi the MRI she needs to begin her healing. Any amount you can give—$5, $10, whatever is possible—will go directly to her medical care and bring us one step closer to saving her.

If you cannot donate, please, please share this campaign with your network. Sharing our story is just as powerful.

Thank you for reading, and for helping us fight for our little guardian angel.