As many of you know, 2024 shattered me. I lost my beloved dog, Mell, after 14½ beautiful years together. Losing her was like losing a piece of my own heart, and going through that grief alone was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. After moving to a new state in 2020, finding real friendships as an adult has been a challenge, and Mell had been my constant.

For an entire year, I searched for a new companion, someone to help fill the silence Mell left behind. Jolene was brought into my life. I had always dreamed of having an Irish Setter, and suddenly that dream became real. In just one year, she became my best friend. We’ve done everything together: long hikes, volunteering, puppy classes—working toward the goal of becoming a therapy dog team with The Exceptional Pet, organization hoping to enroll in their therapy dog program, The Exceptional Dog. Jolene truly is exceptional. She is joy in motion.

When Jolene came home I chose a trusted local vet and followed every recommended step of her vaccine schedule and health checks. When the time came to discuss spaying, I followed the vet’s medical advice to wait until after her first heat to protect her long‑term health. So we waited.

Just before her heat, Jolene developed a vulvar infection. Worried she might have pyometra—a life‑threatening condition—I asked the vet. I was told it was “highly unlikely” and that antibiotics would be enough. After her heat, she still didn’t seem herself, but again she was given antibiotics and sent home.

On March 5th, Jolene was spayed by a different vet. I shared her full medical history. At pickup I was told she had “a little more blood loss than expected,” but that she would be fine. The next day she was extremely sleepy, not eating or drinking much, and I stayed in constant contact with the clinic. I pushed and pushed to get her seen again. When I finally did on March 10th, they gave her fluids and antibiotics and told me to wait. By March 11th, her symptoms were worsening. Her urine darkened; her stool turned green. Again, I was told to “wait.” But I knew I couldn’t wait.

On March 12th, I rushed her to an emergency vet. Dr. Fernando immediately performed x‑rays and an ultrasound. He found liquid in her uterus and abdomen. Jolene needed emergency surgery to survive. During surgery, he discovered that part of her small intestine and colon had fused to her uterus, which was already badly infected. Without immediate intervention, she would have died from sepsis.

Jolene is alive today because of that surgery. But she’s still healing—on multiple medications, prescription food, and ongoing care. She’s only one year old. She deserves a long, happy life. And I’ve already exhausted everything I have financially to save her.

This is the hardest part for me to say:

I don’t know what comes next, and I need help.

If you can, please consider helping Jolene on her journey back to health. Any amount, any share, any kindness—it all matters more than I can express.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for helping me fight for her.