This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to write for my family. My heart feels heavy as I type this, but I’m holding onto hope — hope that kindness, love, and community can help save my sister’s and niece and nephew's best furry friend. Winter, a Maltese puppy, came into my sister and niece and nephew’s life on Christmas Day 3 years ago, and from that very first day, she has brought light and laughter into their world. Whether it’s her goofy smile, the way she nuzzles their hand when they are sad, or her happy tail that never stops wagging, Winter has been their constant comfort through every high and low.

Recently, everything changed. A few days ago, Winter suddenly stoped walking (like she was paralyzed). She wouldn’t walk or move her back legs. After several vet visits and tests, they found out she needs specialty surgery for dislocated disks in her back. Without it, her quality of life and possibly her life itself is at risk as this condition causes paralysis of her body. Time is of the essence for the surgery to get her to walk again.

Hearing that news shattered my sister and the kids. They would do absolutely anything to take away her pain, but the cost of surgery and follow-up care is more than they can handle right now. Between recent financial struggles and unexpected high-costing vet bills, they have reached a point where I am asking for help on their behalf — something that doesn’t come easily to me or them.

If you know my sister and our family, you know how much Winter means to us all and my sweet niece and nephew, Melanie and Max. She is not “just a pet.” She is family. Their days start and end with her and the kids by their side, and they can’t imagine life without her love.

I’m humbly asking for your help to give Winter a fighting chance. Every little bit — every donation, every share, every kind message — makes a world of difference. Even $5 helps bring us closer to paying for this surgery and giving Winter the healthy, happy life she deserves.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for caring, for sharing, and for helping me fight for their little furry best friend.

With love and gratitude,

Sylvana, Family & Winter ❤️