Help Support Jef: Our Precious Maltipoo With Addisons

Help Support Jef – Our Sweet Little Maltipoo Boy

UPDATE: 6/12/35

We finally were able to bring Jef back home today. He was playing in his bed on the car ride home and was running around with his siblings when he stepped into the door. Was long lived though, he was super tired from all the blood taken and tests so he took a very long nap underneath the couch. He is on Prednisolone and Enrofloxacin for the next few weeks and has a vet appointment on the 25th for more blood work and steroid dosage changes. He seems to be much much better than the first night we brought him in. Hoping he doesn't have any side effects to these meds, but I was told they are fairly rare.

UPDATE: 6/11/25

Today Jef was officially diagnosed with Addisons disease. We should be able to take him home tomorrow if he remains stable. He will have to be on monthly for the rest of his life.

We're reaching out with heavy hearts to ask for help for our beloved maltipoo, Jef. Jef has been with us since the day he was born. He’s not just a dog — he’s a part of our family. His parents, Winny and Willie, are still with us, along with his three siblings — Violet, Lily, and Daisy. They’ve grown up together in a loving home, always by each other’s side.

A few days ago, Jef suddenly became very sick. He was lethargic, shaking, refusing food, and didn’t want anyone near him. At first, we thought he might bounce back, but after three days of no improvement, we couldn’t wait any longer. We rushed him to Long Island Veterinary Specialists, where he was immediately admitted.

The vets told us his glucose was dangerously low, he was severely dehydrated, and his liver wasn’t functioning properly. His body was out of balance, and they suspected he may have eaten something toxic. But as they dug deeper, another possibility came up: Addison’s disease.

What is Addison’s Disease?

Addison’s disease is a condition where a dog’s adrenal glands stop producing the hormones needed to manage stress, blood pressure, and other basic functions. Without these hormones, even minor issues can quickly turn life-threatening.

Dogs with Addison’s can suddenly go into what's called an Addisonian crisis — which is exactly what happened to Jef. If confirmed, Jef will need lifelong medication and monitoring, but dogs with Addison’s can live happy, full lives once stabilized.

Why We Need Help

Jef’s condition was critical and required intensive emergency care, IV fluids, constant monitoring, and extensive diagnostic testing. His hospital bills have already exceeded $12,000, and he may need continued treatment to fully stabilize.

This has placed a major financial strain on our family, but we’re doing everything we can to keep Jef with his mom, dad, and siblings — where he feels safest and most loved.

How You Can Help

We’re asking for any support you can offer to help cover Jef’s medical costs. Whether it's $1 or $50, every dollar makes a difference. Your kindness will go directly toward giving Jef the chance to live the life he deserves — healthy, loved, and surrounded by his family.

If you can’t donate, please consider sharing Jef’s story. It means the world to us, and to him.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,

Jef’s Family – Dylan, Winny, Willie, Violet, Lily, and Daisy