My name is Taylor, and I am humbly reaching out for help on behalf of my sister and her support dog.

Dempsey, Loren’s seven-year-old Australian Shepherd, is so much more than a pet—he’s family. For years, Dempsey has been Loren’s constant companion and support, helping her navigate the challenges of mental health and PTSD. His joyful spirit and boundless energy have always brought light to Loren’s life, and he’s been a loving big brother to her one-year-old, Lio. Anyone who knows Loren and Dempsey understands the deep bond they share and how much Dempsey means to the entire family.

FIRST UPDATE:

It all started on Sunday when Dempsey began acting off. His eyes were red, he was lethargic, and he started walking backward—something we’d never seen before. By Monday, he seemed to improve slightly, but by Tuesday, his condition worsened significantly.

We took him to the vet, where they performed a physical examination and bloodwork. While he looked okay at first, his symptoms continued to escalate. By Wednesday, we had to rush him to an emergency veterinary hospital an hour away.

At the hospital, the vets discovered that Dempsey’s heart and pulse weren’t matching, which could indicate a heart condition. They ran extensive tests, including an X-ray, EKG, bloodwork, and a urine test. Unfortunately, the results were inconclusive, except for a fever and elevated white blood cell count.

Dempsey was hospitalized and put on IV fluids while we waited to see a neurologist. The vet suspects he may have uveitis, as his eye pressure was critically low. They’ve started him on medication, but there’s a very real chance he may have meningitis. To confirm or rule this out, Dempsey needs an MRI and a spinal tap.

So far, we’ve spent over $5,000 on Dempsey’s care, and the costs are continuing to rise. As much as we want to do everything possible for him, the financial strain is becoming overwhelming.

The hospital requires payment up front, and all pet insurance agencies have denied our claims.

Dempsey means the world to us. He’s been there for every milestone, every laugh, and every tear. He’s Loren’s first baby and a constant source of love and comfort for our family. We can’t imagine our lives without him, and we want to give him every chance to recover.

We’re asking for your help to cover the costs of his ongoing care, including the MRI, spinal tap, and any additional treatments he may need. Any contribution, no matter how small, would mean the world to us and help us give Dempsey the fighting chance he deserves.

This experience has been overwhelming for Loren, especially as she’s also facing health concerns with her beloved rabbit. Our family is doing everything possible to get Dempsey the care he needs, but we can’t do it alone. Your support will help cover Dempsey’s hospital bills, ongoing tests, and treatments so he can return home to the people who love him most. I will keep everyone updated as Dempsey’s journey continues. Every donation, share, and kind word means the world to Loren, Dempsey, and their family.

Thank you for helping bring Dempsey home.