This weekend, one of our most dedicated volunteers, Brooke, faced every dog owner’s worst nightmare. Her beloved pup Houston—who she adopted through Bark About It Rescue after we saved him from euthanasia in Houston, TX—suddenly became critically ill. What started as skipping a meal quickly spiraled into days of vomiting, dehydration, and an emergency hospitalization.

After multiple vet visits, x-rays, bloodwork, ultrasounds, IV fluids, and a sleepless night at the emergency hospital, Houston was diagnosed with Addison’s disease. This is a lifelong condition that occurs when the adrenal glands stop producing essential hormones. When untreated, it can trigger an Addisonian crisis, a life-threatening emergency. Without the quick action of the veterinary teams at Veterinary Emergency Group of Pittsburgh (VEG) and Murrysville Veterinary Associates, Houston would not be here today.

Thankfully, Houston pulled through and is now home with Brooke, but his care doesn’t end here. He will require daily medication, monthly injections, and regular monitoring for the rest of his life.

The immediate cost of his emergency treatment totaled $5,300—an overwhelming financial burden for anyone, let alone a volunteer who already gives so much. Brooke has dedicated countless hours to Bark About It Rescue, helping to save hundreds of dogs. Now, it’s our turn to give back.

We’re asking our community to come together to help Brooke and Houston recover not just physically, but financially. Every donation—no matter the size—will go directly toward Houston’s emergency vet bills and ongoing care.

❤️ Please consider donating to support Brooke and Houston.

Together, we can ease this unexpected burden and make sure Brooke can focus on what matters most: keeping Houston healthy and continuing her life-saving work with Bark About It Rescue.