Help Save Etoile—My Best Friend, My Family

Hello, my name is Stephane, and I’m reaching out with a heavy heart for help to save my beloved Etoile.

Etoile isn’t just a dog—he’s my son, my shadow, my world. We’ve been together since he was a tiny 8-week-old puppy, born in the Philippines, where I used to live. From the very beginning, Etoile has been by my side through every chapter of life. When I moved back to the United States, he came with me, sitting right next to me on the plane, as if he knew we were starting a new adventure together. We’ve never been apart since.

Etoile is an American Staffordshire Terrier with the gentlest soul. He’s sweet, obedient, and so smart—he always listens, always understands. He loves to swim, and our happiest days are spent at the lake or the beach, splashing in the water together. He’s my constant companion, my comfort, and my joy.

He’s also a survivor. When he was just a year old, Etoile was cruelly beaten on the head and eye. The vet wanted to remove his right eye, but I couldn’t give up on him. I fought for him, and he fought too. Against all odds, he kept his eye and his spirit, and today he sees the world perfectly, with only a small scar as a reminder of his strength.

But now, Etoile is facing the biggest fight of his life—and I’m terrified I might lose him.

Three weeks ago, Etoile got a deep cut at the end of his tail. We don’t know how it happened—maybe he caught it on something while wagging, always so happy to see me. The vet gave us two options: amputate part of his tail, or try to let it heal. I chose to give him a chance to heal, hoping for the best. He was brave, but I could see the pain in his eyes.

Then, everything changed. Two weeks later, in the early morning, Etoile woke me with desperate sounds. I found him vomiting a large amount of bright red blood. My heart stopped. I rushed him to the emergency clinic, where they ran tests and gave him fluids, but he was so weak, so pale. He stopped eating, could barely move, and I watched the light in his eyes dim with every hour.

We went back and forth to the emergency room, each time hoping for a miracle. The doctors discovered he was bleeding internally, likely from a stomach ulcer. They told me the options: let him go peacefully, bring him home to say goodbye, or fight for his life with intensive care. There was never a question in my mind—I had to fight for Etoile, just as he’s always fought for me.

He was admitted to the hospital, given a blood transfusion, fluids, and powerful medications. I spent the longest night of my life waiting for the phone to ring, praying for good news. When the call finally came, I broke down in tears—Etoile was responding. His red blood cell count was rising, and he even ate a little. My boy was fighting his way back to me.

But we’re not out of the woods. Etoile still needs ongoing treatment, monitoring, and care. The cost of his emergency care, hospitalization, transfusions, and medications has already far exceeded what I can afford. I’ve given everything I have, but I can’t do this alone.

Etoile is my family. He’s given me unconditional love, loyalty, and happiness every single day. I can’t imagine my life without him. If you can help us—no matter how small your gift—it would mean the world to us. Every dollar will go directly to Etoile’s medical bills and care. If you can’t donate, please share our story and help us reach others who might be able to help.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for giving Etoile a chance to keep swimming, playing, and loving life. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

With endless gratitude,

Stephane & Etoile