My name is Courtney, and together I live with my lovely but scared rescue pup, Sunny and my two cats Mr. Meow and Serenity. I am a PhD student and I am getting a license in the mental health field. At the beginning of this year, things kind of unraveled in ways I wasn’t prepared for.

My dog, Sunny, got out, and what followed were 13 of the most exhausting, terrifying days of my life. If you know me, you know dogs have always been a huge part of how I get through things. After my dog Mabel passed away, I went through a really hard period where I didn’t leave my house for days at a time, more than once. That kind of grief and isolation was heavy, and it took a long time to come out of it.

I got Sunny because I needed support through that. He was supposed to be my emotional support companion, and honestly, he is. I love him deeply, and I don’t regret bringing him into my life for a second. He’s been part of my healing in a real way.

Even with a GPS tracker, AirTag, and microchip, he ran for miles across multiple towns, completely terrified and in full survival mode. I barely slept, barely ate, and spent every second trying to find him. It was one of those experiences that takes everything out of you.

With the help of an incredible community, Sunny finally made it home. I am so, so grateful. But honestly, things didn’t just go back to normal after that.

Not long after, I got a concussion, and it made it really hard to concentrate or work. Since then, I’ve been dealing with ongoing chronic fatigue and other health issues that I still don’t have answers for. Day to day things feel harder than they should, and working consistently hasn’t been possible.

My mental health has taken a hit too. Depression has gotten heavier, and my ADHD has been a lot harder to manage with everything going on.

All of this has put me in a really tough spot financially. I do have income coming, but it’s delayed, and it won’t come in time to cover what I need right now.

It’s not easy for me to ask for help. I’m usually the one showing up for others, so being in this position is humbling, but right now, I truly can’t do this alone.

I love Sunny deeply, and I don’t regret him being in my life for a second. I just want to do right by both of us and get us through this stretch with some stability.

I’m asking for support to help me get back on my feet.

Funds raised will go toward:

• Rent and utilities

• Medical care and ongoing health needs

• Care and support for Sunny

• Groceries and basic living expenses

• Bridging the gap while I wait for delayed income

If you’re able to donate or share this, it really does mean a lot. This has been a really hard stretch, and I’m doing my best to get through it.

Thank you for being here.