Cujo is more than just a pet; she's a loyal companion and family member who’s been there for us, through thick and thin. Cujo and my wife share a very special bond and Stephanie believes Cujo is her ‘soul dog’. Cujo just turned 2 years old on December 22nd and like most corgis, she is energetic, lovable, and one of the best parts of our life.

Yesterday, life decided to hit us all extremely hard. As many of you know, Stephanie and I are a dual military family; and I’m currently on a temporary duty assignment and can't be there to help her through this stressful time. In the afternoon of 17 Jan, Stephanie noticed a growth inside Cujo's mouth and took her to the emergency vet to be examined. While waiting to be seen, Cujo went from her normal, spunky self to declining rapidly. Within a few hours, Cujo became unrecognizable. She started bleeding from her gums and nose, bleeding into her eyes, bruising inside her ears and extensively all over her body… Once the vet examined her, we found out her platelets were so low on the complete blood count it showed up as if she had none. Normally dog’s platelets range between 500,000 to 250,000. Cujo’s is between 500 to 1500. This means she has been diagnosed with the life-threatening illness: Immune Thrombocytopenia or ITP. Her immune system is attacking her own platelets which doesn’t allow her blood to clot properly.

Thankfully her condition was caught early enough for the veterinary team to provide valuable aid that is keeping her somewhat stable. But until the underlying issue is determined, she will have to remain in the vet’s care. The vet is confident with proper treatment, Cujo should be able to come home and get over this and live a long healthy life. But as it stands currently, the cost is rapidly adding up.

This photo was taken the morning before Stephanie noticed the growth inside Cujo's mouth.

This photo was taken just a few hours later.

We need your help to cover the costs of her care. Cujo requires immediate treatment that could cost approximately $10,000. Without treatment, she would continue to spontaneously hemorrhage until she eventually passed away from blood loss.

Every dollar raised will go directly towards Cujo's treatment and post-treatment follow up care and medications.

Please help us give Cujo the fighting chance she deserves and the necessary care she needs. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to her recovery.

Just a few photos of our precious baby girl.