Last Sunday, my dog Rex was bitten by a kitten in our backyard. At first, it seemed like a minor injury, but by the next morning, he had developed a small swelling. We went to the vet right away, and they placed a drain to help with any bite wound abscess.

Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse. By Friday, Rex's condition had become critical. He was diagnosed with cat bite necrotizing fasciitis, a life-threatening infection, also known as "flesh-eating disease". That evening I rushed him to the emergency vet hospital. To save his life, the surgeon had to remove most of the skin on his chest and abdomen to stop the infection from spreading. Now, Rex faces a long and expensive road to recovery over the next four months.

The medical bills are overwhelming, and I've already maxed out my care credit card just to cover the hospital deposit. My husband suddenly passed away last August while on a business trip, and our dogs—Rex and his brother Kanan—were his absolute favorites. Without his care, support, and income, this situation feels impossible.

I am doing everything I can to keep Rex alive and give him every chance to heal. His brother misses him dearly, his grandma misses him, and I need to make sure he gets a fighting chance.

Any help from anyone would be greatly appreciated with all my heart.

If you don't want to donate online, but want to donate directly to his care at Garden State Vet Services in Woodbridge, he is listed under "Rex" Milano.

"Dogs are only here for a short time and deserve the best of this world. They give us everything despite having a fraction of our lifespan."