Hi everyone, my name is Emily Costain, and I’m fundraising to save the life of my dog Nala, a Cane Corso–Lab mix who has been my whole world since I brought her home at just four months old.

When I first met Nala, she had spent the early part of her life living inside a crate, scared, confused, and alone. I still remember the day I carried her out of that crate — she was shaking with fear. I held her the whole way home, whispering to her that she was safe now. From that moment on, I promised her that she would never feel scared or abandoned again.

I’ve kept that promise every single day since.

⸻

Nala’s Story and Daily Care

Not long after bringing Nala home, I realized something wasn’t right — she was constantly leaking urine. After multiple vet visits and consultations, she was diagnosed with an ectopic ureter, a congenital condition that prevents urine from properly reaching the bladder. It causes constant leakage, discomfort, and serious risk of infection.

But Nala is strong, brave, and full of love. And I’ve done everything humanly possible to keep her healthy and happy while managing her condition.

Since that day, I’ve:

• Kept her on daily medication (Proin, about $150/month) to manage her incontinence.

• Developed a careful hygiene routine — I keep 20 clean “bum rags” that I sterilize and rotate every day, wiping her every time she leaks.

• Used enzymatic cleaners to sanitize her crate and bedding multiple times a day.

• Maintained perfect hygiene — she has never had a single bacterial or yeast infection thanks to constant care.

• Replaced crate beds with indestructible ones, making sure she’s always dry, clean, and comfortable.

• Worked endlessly on her training, emotional regulation, and socialization — she’s confident, gentle, and incredibly bonded to me.

She’s my shadow. She sleeps curled beside me every night, trusts me completely, and looks to me for safety and love.

⸻

The Medical Challenge

Nala’s ectopic ureter is treatable — but only with surgery.

Her specialist at the University of Guelph has estimated the surgery at $8,000–$11,000.

I’ve already covered every other cost for her care: her medications, food, vet appointments, and special supplies. I’ve done everything in my power to manage her condition safely.

But the surgery — which could finally give her a normal life — is something I just can’t afford on my own.

I’ve reached out to every resource available:

• Ottawa Dog Rescue, to see if they can coordinate or help fund her surgery.

• The Farley Foundation, through my primary vet, to apply for medical financial assistance.

• Her specialist in Guelph, to coordinate possible funding once approval comes through.

I’ve built every possible connection and done every piece of paperwork — because I will not stop fighting for her.

⸻

Why This Surgery Matters

Nala has already been through more than any dog should in one lifetime. She’s been bounced between homes before I got her, and the idea of her being afraid again breaks my heart.

But despite all that, she’s still the most loving, trusting dog I’ve ever known.

She greets me every morning with tail wags, gentle eyes, and a soft nuzzle that reminds me why I keep going.

She deserves to live without pain, without constant leakage, and without the fear of being taken away from the only home she’s ever truly felt safe in.

This surgery would mean she could finally run, play, and live like a normal dog — no more diapers, no more discomfort, no more embarrassment.

It would give her freedom.

⸻

Where the Funds Will Go

Every dollar raised will go directly toward:

• Ectopic ureter surgery and pre-op testing at the Guelph Veterinary Specialist Hospital

• Post-operative medications and follow-up care

• Supplies for home recovery (pads, cleaners, and aftercare needs)

• Travel costs for appointments between Kingston and Guelph

If any additional funds remain after the surgery, they will go toward continuing her medications and follow-up appointments.

⸻

From Me to You

Nala isn’t “just a dog.”

She’s my best friend, my comfort, and my responsibility. I’ve been with her through every diaper change, every vet visit, every long night cleaning, every scared moment. I’ve never given up on her — and I never will.

I’ve done everything I can on my own, and now I’m asking for help to do the one thing I can’t: save her life through this surgery.

Every donation, no matter how small, brings us closer to that goal.

Even just sharing her story helps us reach someone who might be able to help.

Thank you for reading Nala’s story, for believing in her, and for helping me keep my promise that she’ll never be scared or alone again.

With love and gratitude,

Emily Costain & Nala

Kingston, Ontario