Athena is our two-and-a-half-year-old Siberian Husky who was rescued after being abandoned and neglected. After no one came forward to claim or adopt her, we welcomed her into our family. She's been our loyal companion ever since. A few months ago, Athena began losing her balance and coordination. An MRI revealed a rare cystic mass compressing her spinal cord, along with severe meningitis. We spent months trying medications to avoid surgery, but despite every effort, her condition continued to decline. Once the meningitis resolved, she underwent emergency spinal surgery. The surgery was successful, but pathology brought devastating news: the mass contains neoplastic cells most consistent with a meningioma (a spinal tumor), though additional testing is still needed to determine exactly what we're facing.

At only 2½ years old, Athena now faces a long road of follow-up diagnostics, oncology and neurology care, and possibly additional treatment. Her surgery alone cost nearly $10,000, and we were only approved for a six-month interest-free payment plan. Combined with recent surgeries for our other dogs, the financial burden has become overwhelming. We're asking for help to pay down Athena's surgery bill before deferred interest takes effect and to cover the additional medical care she now needs. Every donation, share, and prayer means the world to us. Athena was given a second chance when we rescued her. We're determined to give her every chance to keep fighting.