Bjorn is my 5-year-old golden retriever and my adventure buddy. He has always been by my side through graduate school, assisting me while coaching ice hockey, and every possible outdoor adventure. He loves playing with balls, swimming, and greeting everyone he meets with a wagging tail and a hopeful look for pets. Over Thanksgiving break, while hiking the trails in Santa Barbara, Bjorn ate a toxic mushroom. Since Sunday, he has been in critical condition and hospitalized, fighting for his life. His liver lab results are slowly improving, but his blood is not coagulating on its own yet, so he needs daily plasma transfusions until his body can recover. Every day in the hospital is a battle, and the costs are overwhelming, but I am doing everything I can to give him the best chance at recovery.

Bjorn means the world to me. I always imagined us graduating together and finally giving him the backyard he deserves once I start my career. He has so much life left to live and is truly the most loving dog there ever was. His joy is infectious and he brings a smile to everyone he comes in contact with. I am heartbroken at the thought that finances could be the reason he doesn’t get the chance to keep loving and living.

Any support (no matter how small) would help me feel like I can keep my best friend. Your kindness will give Bjorn the chance to heal, come home, and keep spreading love to everyone he meets. Thank you for reading our story and considering helping us during this difficult time.