Alright, author community and pet lovers, consider this a call to unite. One of our own is in trouble and we need to step up for her.

Many of us have seen the posts — a friend of our community, Alivia, is fighting her way through a painful divorce. She hasn’t had the heart to be honest to the public about how it’s going, but her close friends know the truth.

And now, you all know a very big one: her (soon-to-be) ex-husband is asking to take and keep her beloved dog, Pepper. He has filed the paperwork requesting ownership of the dog as part of the divorce process.

Anyone who has known Liv for the last three years knows about Pepper. This sweet puppy is her baby she hand-picked, dotes on like a child, and spoils rotten. Her social media is literally covered in photos of her sweet girl, and she shares photos with anyone just to gush about how much she loves her dog. Pepper and Liv bonded from day one, and while Liv never thought she’d get divorced (because who plans on the nightmare that you’re going to lose your happily ever after?) she and her ex made a pact: if they ever separated, she’d keep Pepper and he’d keep their other dog (Hunter, who is very close to him).

Well it seems the ex no longer wants to honor that promise, because Liv messaged me in tears after she got his financial affidavit stating he wanted Pepper. Plus the car, the house, and just about everything that wasn’t nailed to the floor or the clothes on her back. There’s so much more to this story that I can’t say because “allegations” and the last thing I want to do is cause her any trouble. Just know it hasn’t been pretty and she’s been fighting relentlessly day in and day out to keep some semblance of a normal life.

But to take Pepper?? Get out of here.

Liv’s ex is represented by a shark of an attorney, and I have no clue how he is affording it, and I guess that doesn't really matter. What I do know is this: Liv can’t afford an attorney. Not on her salary and some stuff that’s happened behind the scenes, and especially when all of them want a 10k retainer just to start. And that's just unfair.

The last thing Liv wants to do is ask for help, but having heard her cry over possibly losing the one thing in her life she cannot live without — her dog, Pepper — it’s too much. I want to do whatever we can to raise money so she can afford an attorney ASAP and fight this insanity so she can finally take a breath and stop worrying if she’s going to lose her sweet pupper.

Alivia needs a village NOW more than ever to help her. She’s fighting not just for herself and Pepper, but for peace mind and happiness for her little family. She deserves to be able to move forward in life without fear of coming home to a place without Pepper.

This woman has shown up for so many of us over the last decade. She has been my soundboard, heard me laugh, cry, and everything in between. She is the kindest, most supportive person you've ever met. If she hasn't touched your life for the better in some way, you probably haven't had the blessing of meeting her.

It's time for us to be there for her like she has been for us for so, so long.

If you're able to contribute, we would be forever grateful. If not, sharing this campaign with others would mean the world.