Luna’s story isn’t over yet—but time is running out.

Luna, a Shiloh German Shepard breed, is my only family, older man on fixed income, with no close friends or social network. For many reasons I am unable to work currently. Luna is full of life, love, and that classic German Shepherd spark. Most days, you’d never know she’s fighting for her life—chasing squirrels, giving kisses, and riding shotgun with me (sometimes in sunglasses/goggles!).

But Luna’s living with a hidden illness. She’s battling a severe autoimmune disease that’s closing off her rectum, which results in extreme pressure on her colon. If her colon ruptures, she will be gone in 48 hours due to septic infections. Every day, every “good poop,” is a victory—but we’re running out of time for a real fix.

I finally found a specialist which can do the colonoscopy which requires an exam fee $$$, to give a tighter estimate of the colonoscopy, as well as the need to increase Cyclosporine Luna’s dose. The details are provided below for further explanation, if possible, please watch the video I uploaded to YouTube for her. It gives an up close and personal encounter of what walks are like daily, sunrise/sunset.

With your help, Luna still has a chance for more happy days—not just memories.

You’ll see Luna’s journey in the photos & one video, below—from a playful pup to my loyal partner, and now bravely fighting her toughest battle. You’ll also see her happiest moments, plus receipts and lab results for full transparency.

Luna has been diagnosed with perianal fistula, a painful autoimmune disease common in German Shepherds. It causes her vocal distress, difficulty pooping, and visible inflammation. I’ve done everything I can to keep her healthy and comfortable, but her condition is worsening and I’m running out of options.

Here’s what’s happened so far:

**(I have only included the receipts for the two recent ER visits, as I have over a dozen receipts, exams/med’s all together $5000+ including 2025 expenditures over 24 months)

• 2022-fall, Early symptoms: sudden scooting, with no clear answers despite repeated vet visits

• 2022-2023, Multiple misdiagnoses (anal sac inflammation, parasites—all negative) ~$1500

• Mid-2023, Infection appeared; her rectum became inflamed and painful, requiring frequent exams and antibiotics $2000 / 6 vets all given different anti-biotics over 18 months

• 2024-Fall, moved to a new large city hoping to find better care; condition worsened

• May, June 2025 Anal sacs ruptured; rushed to the ER x2 —finally some answers, more bills

• The last ER after thousands spent, confirmed perianal fistula with lab results, attached

• Starting on expensive immune-suppressing meds (cyclosporine), antibiotics, and special food ~$300+/mth, found vet that wrote prescription as most refuse too! Charging $6/pill vs .12c online for generic. Or $180 vs $100 etc

• Luna still suffers days when she can’t poop at all, and her quality of life is at risk

What’s needed now:

• Colonoscopy ($1,600–2,000): To assess the damage and determine next steps

• Surgery ($2,500–3,000): To remove anal-sac's, any infected tissue, rebuild her rectum, and give her a chance at pain-free life

• Ongoing care and hospice: If surgery isn’t possible, I’ll need to keep her comfortable and loved for as long as I can

• Medication, special food, and vet bills: Already totaling thousands, and more to come

As stated in the very beginning, I’m on a fixed income and simply can’t afford these costs alone. Every exam, ER visit, and prescription has added up, maxing out my credit and my options.

My goal: $5,500

This covers ~20% of what I’ve already spent, as well as the upcoming colonoscopy, possible surgery, medication, and (if needed) hospice care. The ER receipts and lab results are posted in the story photos for transparency. You can also see Luna’s journey—her energetic moments, and the tough times—on her YouTube channel: Luna-Denver.

I will post weekly updates so you can follow her progress and see exactly where your support goes.

Thank you for helping Luna get the care she deserves. She’s my whole world, and with your help, I hope to give her the happy, pain-free life every good dog deserves.