Last April, I was faced with an impossible decision: let one of my dogs die or do whatever I could to save her life. She was diagnosed with pyometra, a dangerous uterus infection that causes the organ to fill with fluid and can be fatal if untreated. I had just lost her brother to advanced lymphoma, and the grief of not being able to save him was overwhelming. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing her too.

Desperate to save her, I made the difficult choice to do whatever it took to pay for her surgery. I was pulled over and arrested, and now I’m facing five years in prison if I accept a plea deal. This feels especially harsh since I’ve never been arrested for drugs or weapons before. I spoke with a lawyer who believes he can help me fight the case, but I simply can’t afford to hire him. Without his help, I risk losing my freedom, my dogs to a shelter, and my relationship with my son, who is set to graduate high school next year. I want nothing more than to be there for him and continue caring for my dogs.

It pains me to ask for help, especially from strangers, but I have no family to lean on or depend on. I’m desperate and doing everything I can to remain here for my son and my dogs. Any support means the world to me, and I am deeply grateful for anyone willing to help.