Help Lovely Rita Fight Liver Disease

Hello! My name is Laura and I'm a dog mom - a rescue dog mom of 3 with 1 still with us. Her name is Rita and she is why I'm putting my pride aside, and asking for help.

Lovely Rita (named after a Beatles song) is a rescue Pekingese standing at almost 1 foot tall, and weighing in at a hefty 4.5 pounds. Don't let her size fool you, she's a pint sized princess with a selfless love that radiates, and captures hearts everywhere she goes. Rescued from a back yard breeder/puppy mill and then lovingly brought to Frankie's Furry Rescue along with a few others in her situation, Rita has been through tough times, for sure. But she doesn't let it bother her - always smiling with a constantly wagging tail!

Rita is tiny and mighty - with a belly rub obsession, extreme cozy tendencies, and so much life ahead of her, at only 11 years young. One of the smallest Pekingese dogs I've ever seen/heard of, she came into my life at the most perfect time. Adopted August of 2021, Vinny (who passed away in 2024) and I welcomed her into our home with loving arms and patience. Vinny taught her how to be a doggie, and I reminded her time and time again of how loved she is and that she is undoubtably a princess in her own right. She hadn't stepped on grass or dirt until her rescue - which happened after tornados devastated the trailer park in which she was used for breeding. I was told she is so small that it is likely none of her babies survived. :( Poor little Mama! She came home to Charlotte, NC, with only 5 teeth, a noticeable limp, and a broken jaw. Timid and scared, afraid to eat, and confused by the outdoors. But she's strong and "sturdy!" Little Marg-a-Rita quickly began to flourish along side her brother, Vinny. The sweetest, most innocent little lady, she is an angel on earth - and has an iconic side-eye.

Last week I found out that she has rapidly progressing liver disease.

The specialist today was over $700.00 and that's just step one. *Cue flashbacks from losing Vinny last May* Vinny was a rescue shih tzu, Rita's bodyguard, her mentor, and best friend. He died after six LONG months of 3x a week sub Q kidney fluid appointments, and a slow progression that left me emotionally and financially exhausted.

Would I take it back? Never! They gave him 2 months, and he made it 6. Healing and grief take time, and when we finally begin to move forward, life throws another devastating fast ball: Liver disease :(

So, I'm laying it all out on the table and asking for donations for her medical treatment. Please help me keep Rita happy, and comfortable until the time comes for her to join Vinny in heaven. Rita is not one to complain, and I'm not one to ask for help, but after Vinny's demise, I'm struggling to even put food on the table, much less into the dog bowl. Anything you can spare is so much appreciated, and I'll send you a personalized thank you note/card from @thehonorablejudgerita herself. Along with a photo for your fridge!

What did we do to deserve dogs? What did we do to deserve Lovely Rita? Thanks in advance for your prayers, and encouragement. I have to stay strong for this little princess!