Hi everyone,

I’m writing today with a very heavy heart. I’m currently raising funds to help cover the cost of care for my service dog, Murtaugh, who was admitted to the ICU yesterday at Cincinnati MedVet in critical condition. Yesterday morning started like any other — I tried to take him out for his usual walk, but something was clearly wrong. He was unsteady, stumbling, unable to walk more than a few steps. He seemed dazed, confused, lethargic, and barely responsive. His breathing was shallow, and he just wasn’t himself — it felt like he was holding on by a thread.

We rushed to the emergency vet, where they found his red blood cell count had dropped to a dangerously low 10%. He was immediately given a lifesaving blood transfusion. Initial scans showed no active internal bleeding, which gave us hope. He made it through the first transfusion, but spiked a fever that needed additional medications. That night alone cost $5,200, which we were somehow able to cover.

But today brought more tough news. His blood count dropped again — from 20% back down to 15%. He needed another transfusion and more testing. After seeing the critical care team, they performed an abdominal ultrasound and a GI scope to look at his intestines, kidneys, and bladder. During the procedure, they found inflammation in his stomach and small intestine, as well as ulcers in various stages of healing, which are likely contributing to the ongoing blood loss. Biopsies were taken, and we’re now awaiting results to determine if an autoimmune or malabsorption disorder is at the root of all this. The team has now pivoted his treatment toward suspected GI bleeding, autoimmune complications, and possible malabsorption issues.

He’s still in the ICU tonight for continued monitoring and treatment, including iron and glucose transfusions. Tomorrow, they’ll recheck his red blood cell count and decide on the next steps. The silver lining? They think he may be coming around to eating again — a small but encouraging sign. The bill for today’s care and diagnostics is another $5,500, and to be honest, I’m overwhelmed. These costs are adding up so quickly, and I never could have predicted this heartbreaking turn of events.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you. Your time and prayers mean the world to me. If you're able and feel moved to contribute — even the smallest amount — it would help me keep fighting for Murtaugh. And if donating isn’t possible, please consider sharing this or simply keeping us in your thoughts. Murtaugh has been my rock — my partner, my lifeline, my mobility service dog. He’s given me so much over the years, and I just can’t imagine life without him. I’m doing everything I can to give him the fighting chance he deserves.