Pixie is my service dog and my lifeline. She has been by my side through every challenge, helping me navigate the world as I live with autism, PTSD, ADHD, depression, and anxiety. One of Pixie’s most important tasks is letting me know when my heart rate gets too high—she senses my distress before I even realize it, and comes to comfort and calm me. She gives me the confidence to go out in public and helps me survive each day. I truly need her—she is everything to me.
On Christmas of 2024, Pixie was diagnosed with degenerative mitral valve disease. The vets told me she would probably not make it a year. Since then, her illness has already slowed her down. Her heart is now very sensitive to temperature changes, so if it’s too hot or too cold, her heart has to work much harder. Because of her diagnosis, I cannot bring her outside on those days. She also cannot play ball as much anymore, because it’s bad for her heart. She has started having seizures, and I am terrified of losing her. I want nothing more than to see her live a long, happy, and healthy life.
I am an actor, but I put my Broadway dreams aside this year and worked three times as hard to start saving for her surgery. Despite my best efforts, the cost of her medication and care is overwhelming, and I’m not saving fast enough. Pixie needs life-saving open heart surgery at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals in London, and she needs it now. I am doing everything I can, but I need help to get her there in time.
Having a small service animal like Pixie is truly the best fit for me. People often underestimate what smaller dogs can do, but Pixie proves every day that size doesn’t matter when it comes to heart, intelligence, and dedication. She’s been trained to help me in ways that are just as impactful as any larger service dog, and her presence is a constant source of comfort and support. I hope our story helps others see the incredible value that small service animals can bring.
Any support you can give—whether it’s a donation or sharing this fundraiser—means the world to me and my service dog Pixie. She’s my lifeline, and I can’t imagine life without her by my side. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any help you can offer during this difficult time.
On Christmas of 2024, Pixie was diagnosed with degenerative mitral valve disease. The vets told me she would probably not make it a year. Since then, her illness has already slowed her down. Her heart is now very sensitive to temperature changes, so if it’s too hot or too cold, her heart has to work much harder. Because of her diagnosis, I cannot bring her outside on those days. She also cannot play ball as much anymore, because it’s bad for her heart. She has started having seizures, and I am terrified of losing her. I want nothing more than to see her live a long, happy, and healthy life.
I am an actor, but I put my Broadway dreams aside this year and worked three times as hard to start saving for her surgery. Despite my best efforts, the cost of her medication and care is overwhelming, and I’m not saving fast enough. Pixie needs life-saving open heart surgery at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals in London, and she needs it now. I am doing everything I can, but I need help to get her there in time.
Having a small service animal like Pixie is truly the best fit for me. People often underestimate what smaller dogs can do, but Pixie proves every day that size doesn’t matter when it comes to heart, intelligence, and dedication. She’s been trained to help me in ways that are just as impactful as any larger service dog, and her presence is a constant source of comfort and support. I hope our story helps others see the incredible value that small service animals can bring.
Any support you can give—whether it’s a donation or sharing this fundraiser—means the world to me and my service dog Pixie. She’s my lifeline, and I can’t imagine life without her by my side. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any help you can offer during this difficult time.