Help Save Emma’s Heart

On May 31, while still grieving the loss of our beloved German Shepherd, Maya, a sweet 4-month-old puppy named Emma came into our lives. We weren’t planning to open our hearts again so soon, but Emma—short for Emerald, my birthstone—felt like fate. A family friend introduced us, and the moment we met her, we instantly fell in love.

Emma was born with what we were told was a minor heart murmur, something she’d likely grow out of. Sadly, that’s not the case. In just a few short months, her condition has worsened dramatically. After multiple tests and specialist appointments, we received devastating news: Emma has a congenital heart defect that, without immediate surgery, will likely take her life before her first birthday.

Her condition requires a specialized heart procedure to place a stent, which will close a critical portion of her heart that failed to form properly at birth. The procedure is urgent, and without it, Emma will not survive. The doctors believe this surgery is the best chance we have for Emma to live a much longer, happy life.

Because this defect was noted at adoption—even though we were told it was minor—pet insurance will not cover any of the diagnostic testing, cardiology visits, or the lifesaving surgery itself. Emma’s surgery is scheduled for July 21.

As many of you know, we’ve faced heartbreaking medical journeys with our pets before. We are still paying off Mase’s chemotherapy from 2023 and Maya’s cancer treatments from December 2024. Despite all of this, we knew we had to try to give Emma a chance.

So far, we’ve already spent nearly $3,000 on diagnostic testing and cardiology consults. Emma’s surgery is estimated at $9,000, not including the medications, follow-up care, and continued cardiac monitoring that will follow if she makes it through.

We are heartbroken and overwhelmed. While we are doing everything we can, we are simply not in a position to pay the full cost of the surgery within the next 30 days. That’s why we’re asking for help—any donation, large or small, will make a difference and bring us closer to saving Emma’s life.

If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page with your friends, family, or social networks means the world to us.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping us fight for Emma’s second chance.

With gratitude,

Kelly, Paul, Emma and Mase