Hi. My name is Rebecca Koladycz and I’m raising funds to help my neighbor, Mikaela Thepvongsa (“@mikaelachavezt”), cover a critical surgery for Sophie, her 11-year-old pug. My family spends a lot of time with Sophie, who is friends with our pug Pepper Piglet. Sophie is at our house a couple of days a week while Mikaela is at her nursing job; she’s a sweet, happy girl, and we enjoy every minute we get with her!

I’m raising funds for Sophie because she needs surgery to put a stent in her trachea. Although otherwise a pretty healthy senior pug, Sophie suffers from a partially collapsed trachea. This has been well managed with medication until recently, when Sophie started coughing more and more and was struggling to get a breath. On Feb. 21st, she went to the emergency vet, where she spent the night on oxygen. Worried her trachea could collapse completely, they recommended surgery to reduce the likelihood of her decompensating and/or passing away. Sophie is on her way to surgery as I write this, with an estimated cost of $8,544.05 to $9,837.96.

Mikaela is a deaf RN who works part-time because she has health issues of her own. She’s an inspiration and does so much to advocate for the deaf community and other people with disabilities. Sophie has been with Mikaela through all of her surgeries, and now we want to be there for Sophie!

All funds will go directly to pay off Sophie’s medical bill. Any amount you’re able to contribute will be so appreciated and will go a long way in supporting Sophie and Mikaela. If you’re not able to contribute now, please pass this along to family and friends who love animals as much as we do!