Friends and family -

I adopted Myla May in late 2019, just months after leaving inpatient treatment for anorexia. I had returned home, defeated and still very sick, after two years of treatment without improvement. Adopting Myla was a declaration to myself and my family that I was committing to recovery for the long haul.

We bonded quickly. She came with her own quirks. Found stray at a gas station in Houston, she was terrified of nearly everything, from trash bags and big coats to signposts and quickly moving clouds. We healed together. She learned to trust and explore, to be cautiously curious instead of panic-ridden. While my own journey was by no means straight and easy, Myla acted as my anchor and companion. Early on, she learned service tasks to help me reground and clearly enjoyed working (work is still one of her favorite words). With her as my filter, I slowly re-engaged with healthy living. We went hiking and adventuring together. I learned to sew and make dog collars. We met a dog behaviorist together who ended up mentoring me in dog training. I could go on and on. While I have been recovered and healthy for four years, Myla will always be my heart dog.

Now she is sick. A month ago, her face swelled on one side and seemed not to respond to antibiotics, reducing but not resolving with time. Her labwork and symptoms are inconclusive. In the last four days her back legs have been getting weaker and weaker and she has become intollerant to touch. She struggles to get up and has no energy for walks. Last night, she cried when I slid her collar on.

The next step is an MRI. I do not like to ask for money, but I simply do not have the $7000 it will cost to find out what is going on.

Even a small amount will help.

Thank you for reading this and considering donating.