Hi, my name is Jasel, and I’d like to tell you about my best friend and hero: my dog Captain, a five year old loyal Golden Retriever who has always protected me without hesitation.

When Captain was just a year old, he saved me from being attacked by two large dogs that got loose during a walk. After I fell down a ditch, Captain stood over me and bravely kept the dogs at bay until help came. Since then, he’s been more than a pet; he’s my protector, my shadow, and my soul dog.

Earlier this year, during a routine checkup in January 2025, Captain’s bloodwork showed elevated liver enzymes. Our vet put him on antibiotics as a precaution, but by February, things took a turn. He began vomiting regularly, lost weight, and even a bland diet of rice and chicken didn’t help.

Further tests showed his liver enzymes had skyrocketed. We did an ultrasound, but it gave no answers. Then Captain started to jaundice. His eyes and ears turned yellow, his urine darkened, and his energy faded. After emergency vet visits and a needle aspirate (which at least ruled out cancer), we were told that the only way to truly understand what’s happening is through a liver biopsy.

Because Captain is too fragile for surgery, the best option is a Tru-Cut biopsy — a less invasive procedure using a special needle to sample the liver. The closest facility equipped to perform this is the Texas A&M Veterinary Hospital, several hours from us.

At first, with medication, liver-supportive food, and care, Captain seemed to improve. By May 2nd, his jaundice faded, and his bloodwork looked better. We were cautiously hopeful and even canceled the biopsy.

But on May 24th, everything changed. Captain began vomiting again and refused food. His jaundice returned, and his vet confirmed on June 3rd that he urgently needs the Tru-Cut biopsy. Without it, we can't get a clear diagnosis, and without a diagnosis, we can’t treat him properly.

His appointment is now scheduled for July 1st, 2025, but we’re hoping he can be seen sooner if a cancellation opens up.

Unfortunately, because this is a university clinic, they don’t accept pet insurance or payment plans like CareCredit. This is why I’m humbly asking for your help.

Captain saved me once — now I want to return the favor and give him a chance to get better, to be comfortable, and to live the full life he deserves.

Any donation, no matter the size, helps us get one step closer to answers, treatment, and hope.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

— Jasel, Steven & Captain