Over 10 years ago, a little dog called Spenny appeared on my Facebook feed and I was instantly drawn to her depleted and broken little face.

Spenny was rescued by Animal Help Net Kerry after being found dumped in a ditch, heavily pregnant. Her submissive demeanour told a heartbreaking story of a past we could only imagine, and it was clear she had experienced cruelty no animal should ever endure.

We worked with behaviourists, vets and alternative therapies and more to help her learn to trust again. It took time, patience and understanding, but Spenny was worth every second.

When a dog who has known so much fear finally trusts you enough to accept a little bum scratch, share a toy or simply relax beside you, it is one of the most humbling and beautiful privileges imaginable. Those little moments meant everything. They showed us that, despite her past, Spenny was learning that the world could be kind.

From the beginning, I made it my mission to give her the life she had missed out on. The best food, baskets of toys, endless adventures, doggy dates and every bit of love I could possibly give her. I ensured she had the highest level of pet insurance available to me and always received the care she deserved.

But Spenny hasn't just changed my life. She has made a difference to so many other little lives, too.

She has been the most wonderful foster sister to countless lost and vulnerable cats and dogs, sharing her home with animals who needed somewhere safe to land. And, incredibly, Spenny has also been a blood donor, helping to save the lives of three other pets who would not have survived without her. She has spent so much of her life giving love, comfort and hope to others. Now, she needs us.

Last year, we moved back to Ireland so Spenny could enjoy her senior years surrounded by beautiful countryside, beaches and fresh air. This past year has been magical, filled with precious adventures and priceless moments alongside her little sister, Fiadh. I wanted her to enjoy every moment of the beautiful life she had fought so hard to find.

Heartbreakingly, about a month ago, everything changed.

My happy, active, playful and inquisitive little girl began deteriorating rapidly. She went from being full of life to barely being able to move, with significant cognitive decline. Most devastatingly, today she has lost her sight.

Watching such a vibrant little soul change so dramatically in such a short space of time has been utterly heartbreaking. We are desperately trying to find answers and understand what is happening to her.

Spenny has already undergone a full nose-to-tail CT scan, multiple blood tests and several ultrasounds. She is due to undergo further investigations, including multiple MRIs, a spinal tap and joint taps, with further testing and treatment potentially needed depending on what we discover.

Unfortunately, when we moved back to Ireland, Spenny lost her previous insurance cover. I never imagined we would find ourselves facing something like this, and the growing cost of her veterinary investigations and care is becoming increasingly difficult to manage.

I have always done everything in my power to give Spenny the life and care she deserves, and I want to continue doing that now. I want to give her every reasonable chance of finding answers, accessing appropriate treatment and enjoying the best possible quality of life.

I cannot bear the thought of financial limitations standing in the way of exploring the options available to her.

Spenny has spent over a decade teaching me about resilience, patience, trust and the extraordinary capacity animals have to love, even after humans have let them down. She has overcome so much, helped save three lives, welcomed vulnerable animals into her home and brought immeasurable joy to everyone lucky enough to know her.

Now, I want to fight for her, just as I have always tried to give her the very best life possible.

Every donation, no matter how small, will go towards Spenny's growing veterinary bills, diagnostic investigations and any further care or treatment she may need. If you cannot donate, sharing her story would mean the world to us.

From me and her little sister Fiadh, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for reading Spenny's story and helping us give our brave girl the best possible chance.

She has spent her life giving others a second chance. Please help us give her one, too. ❤️