Help Branch Get the Care He Deserves

Help Branch Get the Care He Needs ❤️

Hi everyone,

My name is Sabrina, and I’m reaching out for help for my sweet boy, Branch.

We brought Branch home when he was just 4 months old, and this June he’ll be turning 9. He’s been my best friend and truly the most amazing dog we could’ve ever asked for.

Branch is more than just a pet — he’s family.

He's also crazy smart — he knows over a dozen tricks and can even "spell" walk and treat (we have to get creative when talking around him!). He absolutely LOVES playing hide and seek with my youngest sister, and his wagging tail is always there to greet us, no matter what kind of day we’ve had. He’s the kind of dog who will sit by the door waiting for me to come home, and he’s always up for a good snuggle session on the couch.

In so many ways, he’s my shadow — he follows me everywhere, sleeps next to me, and is always there to make everything feel better. He’s a loving, kind, and funny boy who has brought so much joy to our lives.

A Tough Road

Branch has faced some health challenges over the years, but he's always fought through them like the trooper he is. When he was just 2 ½ years old, he developed epilepsy. After years of trying different medications, we were finally able to get his seizures under control in 2020.

But about two years ago, we learned he had a heart murmur due to mitral valve disease. Essentially, one of his heart valves doesn’t close properly, and his heart has to work harder to pump blood. This has been manageable with medication, but his health has recently taken a turn.

On May 12th, I had to rush Branch to the ER. He was struggling to breathe and acting very unlike himself. The x-rays showed that he’s starting to accumulate fluid in his lungs, which happens when the heart can’t pump efficiently anymore. This is a serious sign that his heart is worsening, and we need to take action now.

He started new medications right away, but this is just the beginning.

What’s Next

Over the next few weeks, Branch will need to see his cardiologist and have more testing to figure out why his condition got worse and how we can help him.

Here’s what we’re facing, at a minimum:

(cost varies depending on how many different views the doctor needs for each test)

Cardiologist visit: $150

Echocardiogram: $680

X-rays: starts at $550

Ultrasound: starts at $600

Possible thoracentesis (draining fluid from lungs): starts at $800

Ongoing meds (monthly)

Possible oxygen therapy

We expect at least 2 rounds of some of these tests, possibly more depending on what they find and what he will need to manage his condition moving forward.

Just one round of testing and meds can cost over $2,000, and we honestly don’t know how many rounds he’ll need yet.

Why We Need Help

We’ve always done everything we can to take care of Branch — he’s our world. But his care is getting really expensive, and we’re at the point where we can’t do it alone anymore.

If you’re able to donate, no matter how small, it would mean the world to us. And if you can’t donate, please consider sharing his story.

Branch is still full of love and life. He wants to chase squirrels, try to sneak food off the kitchen counter, and cuddle like always — we just need a little help to get him through this next part of the journey.

Thank you so much for reading, supporting, or simply sending prayers our way.

With love,

Sabrina & Branch ❤️