As many of you know, I am in India for a research fellowship. This month, Sid is visiting me and his family. This means that we have had to entrust Chewbacca, our senior dog, in the care of a sitter.

We were not worried because Chuey is perfectly healthy. He eats, he plays, he loves snuggles. This morning, we woke up to the shock of our lives.

Chewbacca was rushed to the emergency vet for labored breathing, not eating, confusion, and lethargy.

After a long series of tests, it was found that Chewbacca has a hypernatremia, a deadly level of sodium in his body that is so high, it is damaging his brain.

We do not yet know the cause. All we know is that in order to save his life, Chewbacca has to be hospitalized and treated with fluids to slowly bring his sodium levels down.

The vet was honest with us, he will not get better on his own.

The current estimate for treatment is $6,000 - $8,000.

We understand that as responsible pet parents, it is our job to prepare for these expenses. However, our funds (and credit limits) are completely depleted from taking care of the health problems of Teek, Chewbacca's mother, who just passed away this June. Chewbacca also recently had a growth removed from his head, which cost another 2,000.

We are asking for $10,000, to cover urgent health costs, as well as costs of travel for one of us to return home to tend to Chewbacca.

Please consider donating. Chewbacca has been perfectly healthy other than this condition l, and we have plenty of evidence to believe that he will live a long time after treatment.

I have had Chewbacca literally since the day he was born. He has always been kind and loving. Everyone who meets him quickly falls in love with him. This world is better with Chewbacca in it. Please. Please help us save him.