Hi, my name is Katie, and I’m fundraising to help cover the ongoing veterinary costs for my puppy, Obi.

For many people, Obi is “just a puppy.” For me, he represented hope.

In January 2026, I lost my assistance dog, Nera. Losing her was devastating. She wasn’t just a dog; she was my partner, my confidence, my independence, and the reason I was able to navigate the world with greater freedom. Since losing her, I’ve been trying to come to terms with that loss whilst also facing the reality of what life looks like without an assistance dog by my side.

When Obi came into my life, I genuinely believed he might be the dog that would help me rebuild that freedom. While nothing could ever replace Nera, Obi represented a fresh start and the possibility of training a future assistance dog prospect.

Unfortunately, things haven’t gone as planned.

Around 10 months before Obi was born, I visited the breeder’s property in a professional capacity to microchip dogs. During that visit, I was concerned by the conditions I witnessed and by the health of the mother dog. I reported my concerns to the relevant authorities and believed the matter would be dealt with.

On 14th May 2026, I was contacted by the breeder regarding a litter of eight puppies that needed microchipping. On 21st May, I was told there was one puppy left who urgently needed a home. After seeing photographs and speaking with the breeder, I arranged to meet him.

When I visited the property, my husband and I were immediately concerned by what we saw. The mother dog appeared to be in poor condition, and the puppies had no visible access to food or water despite the hot weather. The breeder made it clear she wanted the puppies gone as quickly as possible.

I initially took Obi home to meet my other dogs and quickly realised I couldn’t leave him behind. I returned to complete the microchipping of the litter, paid a deposit, and brought Obi home.

That same evening, I was informed that none of the puppies had been wormed despite being around six weeks old.

Within days, Obi began developing health issues.

Since coming home, he has required multiple veterinary visits and emergency treatment. He has been treated for a severe worm burden and a urinary infection, and vets are now investigating further health concerns. Most recently, we have been told that Obi may have diabetes, although further testing is needed to understand exactly what is happening.

The hardest part is the uncertainty.

Right now, we don’t know what is wrong with Obi. We don’t know whether his current issues are temporary or lifelong. We don’t know whether he will make a full recovery. We don’t know whether he will ever be physically capable of becoming the assistance dog I hoped he might one day be.

Every new appointment seems to raise more questions than answers.

Emotionally, this has been incredibly difficult. After losing Nera earlier this year, I wasn’t prepared for another journey filled with worry, fear, and uncertainty. Instead of focusing on training, socialisation, and helping Obi grow into the dog he was meant to become, we are focused on blood tests, medications, emergency appointments, and trying to find answers.

Financially, the costs are mounting rapidly. My veterinary expenses have already exceeded the amount I was due to pay for Obi, and investigations are still ongoing. With each new concern comes another appointment, another test, and another bill.

Despite everything, this fundraiser is not about seeking sympathy or starting conflict. It is about giving Obi every possible chance.

Obi did not choose where he was born. He did not choose the condition he arrived in. He is a sweet, loving, clever little puppy who deserves the opportunity to get well and live the healthy life every dog should have.

I am committed to helping him regardless of the outcome of this fundraiser, but I cannot deny that the financial burden is becoming overwhelming.

Any money raised will go directly towards:

* Veterinary consultations

* Diagnostic testing

* Blood work and monitoring

* Medication and treatment

* Emergency veterinary care

* Specialist referrals

* Ongoing management of any long-term condition identified

If you cannot donate, sharing Obi’s story would mean just as much.

Thank you for reading, thank you for caring, and thank you for helping us fight for the future that Obi deserves.

Katie & Obi ❤️