My name is Kayleigh, and I am fighting for my life alongside my service dogs, who are the reason I survived domestic violence and the severe health conditions that followed.

Right now, my baseline oxygen levels are dropping, my heart condition is worsening, and I am living in a constant cycle of medical delays. My cardiologist has given one critical instruction: keep stress as low as possible, but our current situation makes that nearly impossible.

After escaping my abuser, I was displaced out of state and left to manage everything alone while seriously ill. I am in heart failure with respiratory complications, awaiting insurance approval for a new heart monitor and a spinal epidural that is currently on hold. I am lifting my 70+ lb service dog by myself despite significant spinal injury because there is no one else to help.

My dog Cooper was diagnosed at just four years old with severe hip dysplasia, a 30% loss of socket coverage, along with bilateral meniscus and cruciate tears. He had perfect hips as a puppy and never showed pain. Now, I am watching him struggle to balance when he lifts his leg. Goldens often need joint replacements later in life, not this young, and I am trying to slow the progression and keep him mobile and comfortable for as long as possible.

These dogs are not just pets.

They are my medical support, my safety, and the only family that has never been taken from me.

We are currently living in a hotel because it is the only environment where:

• I can stay warm and breathe

• Cooper has space to stretch and use his heating pad for therapy

• I can remain as medically stable as possible

But it costs $3,000 per month, not including laundry or food. At the same time, I cannot afford the first month’s rent AND a security deposit for an apartment while still paying to keep us sheltered.

This week I am also:

• Temporarily without insurance during the transition between short- and long-term disability

• No longer receiving SNAP benefits

• Experiencing worsening respiratory symptoms and cardiac exhaustion

I wake up every morning trembling from the stress, knowing my health depends on stability I cannot currently afford.

On top of this, my abuser is attempting to take the only vehicle I have, my sole way to get to medical care.

I am asking for help because I want to live.

Not just survive…heal.

Your support will go toward:

• Securing stable housing (deposit + first month’s rent)

• Medical care and cardiac monitoring

• Keeping my service dogs mobile and out of pain

• Basic living costs while my disability benefits are finalized

If you cannot donate, please share our story. That alone helps more than you know.

These dogs saved my life.

I am trying to save theirs and my own.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for being part of the hope we are holding onto.

Follow our journey on TikTok, @whatev4ever