Help Dougie Jones's Family as They Grieve Their Little Pup

Dougie's family need your help!

Dougie had to be hospitalized on 1/18/2025 with aspiration pneumonia, after just recovering from a corneal ulcer, and his family can't afford to pay for his vet bills (they've had a lot of other financial hits this winter, including Chris losing his job and other major health expenses, along with an upcoming move). Up to this point, he has always been in excellent health.

After holding steading Saturday and Sunday and improving on Monday--when his whole little family got to pay him a visit and offer pets and snuggles--he took a sudden turn for the worse late Tuesday morning. Utterly devastated and heartbroken, with heavy hearts, Chris and Susi had to make the choice to let him go while he was still able to breathe somewhat comfortably and wasn't yet in a lot of distress. His last conscious memory was of getting double face scratches from Chris and Susi together, right by his side. Susi held him in her arms to the last beat of his beautiful little heart, and then some. We will never be the same.

MORE ABOUT DOUGIE

Susi & Chris McCrea adopted Dougie Jones McCrea (a now 14-year-old Shih Tzu) in 2018, and he immediately captured their hearts. He's been charming every person he meets ever since--including groomers, vets, and staunch anti-dog apologists (IYKYK).

When Susi & Chris first met Dougie, they'd recently watched Twin Peaks: The Return by their favorite director and artist, David Lynch (whose passing was announced the day Dougie went to the ER). Dougie's name (and black and white coloring) felt like a sign. It was surely meant to be!

This little sweet potato is the apple of Susi's eye, and his whole family (which now includes two little humans) and his many friends adore him. He's a snuggle puppy who makes extra beds (he has four real beds) out of whatever is nearby on the floor (a newborn lounger, a suitcase, a trash bag, one of the kids' coats tossed on the floor).

He never barks, never bites, never jumps on people, and follows Susi everywhere (even the bathroom!).

Dougie the Cutie Pie (video)

He firmly declines walks in bad weather, resourcefully breaks into treat bags and groceries if they're left on the floor long enough and no one is around, and steals his mom's spaghetti when she's not looking.

He has a lot of food allergies and intolerances (just like his mom) and a very particular palate, and he patiently abides his rambunctious 4- and 5-year-old (human) brother and sister.

He passive-aggressively cuddles up next to Chris after Susi bathes him, and loves to play fetch with his squeaky stuffies for about 2 minutes when his family comes home from an outing. We just want him to get well and come back home. Please help Dougie & the McCreas any way you can and please share this GoFundMe! Every little bit counts.

Note: The fundraiser amount is equal to or less than the current tally of vet bills, believe it or not (we may update it if he ends up needing more care than the vet estimated).