Help Nova and Me Start Over at 50

I never imagined I would be writing something like this, and asking for help is not easy for me. I work full-time helping children and families, and I am normally the person trying to help someone else through a difficult time.

But right now, I could use a little help myself.

The last several months—and especially the weeks surrounding my 50th birthday—have been incredibly difficult.

In December, I spent approximately $5,200 on veterinary care for my dog, Nova. During that time, we discovered that she has an adrenal gland tumor 3cm (Blue Pearl Vet). Nova isn’t simply my pet. She is my emotional support dog, my companion, and a huge part of my life. She is all that I have left. Recently she has not been feeling well again, which has meant additional veterinary appointments, testing, medications, and the possibility of more expenses ahead.

Then came more heartbreak.

Exactly two weeks before my 50th birthday, my beloved 15-year-old cat was killed by a coyote. I was devastated. Two days before my birthday, one of my chickens—the one named after me—also died.

I went into my 50th birthday already grieving.

My fiancé had planned a birthday trip and surprised me by having my best friend and her husband join us.

Instead, on the way home, I was left alone at the airport. Shortly after we returned home, I was unexpectedly told that I needed to move out.

After giving myself a couple of days to process everything, I made a decision.

I’m leaving.

I have found a place for Nova and me to live, and I’m ready to start over. I work full-time and can support myself going forward. What I wasn’t financially prepared for was having to establish an entirely new household so suddenly—especially after spending thousands of dollars on Nova’s medical care.

I’m trying desperately not to begin this new chapter by putting everything on credit cards and going back into debt.

Any money raised will help with the immediate costs of starting over: moving expenses, deposits, utilities, basic household necessities, and Nova’s ongoing veterinary care.

I’m not asking anyone to carry me. I’m asking for a little help getting across the bridge between the life I’m leaving and the one I’m trying to build.

Turning 50 wasn’t supposed to look like this.

But maybe 50 can still mark the beginning of something good.

A safe and peaceful home. Financial stability. Independence. And a place where Nova and I can begin our next chapter together.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for helping in whatever way you can. ❤️