Hi everyone, my name is Tracee; I have two min pin pups who are sisters, Allie and Nala. They came into my life 10 years ago, and I can still remember the moment I first got them; they fit into the palm of my hand, and I have been in love ever since. Nala has always been a little smaller as she was the runt of her litter, but it has never slowed her down. They’ve both always been full of energy with an excitement for life!

We have enjoyed many hikes and runs through the years, where they have always pushed me to go further and faster. Unfortunately, Nala has been diagnosed with a heart murmur stemming from her mitral valve degenerating, causing her mitral valve to leak. After seeing a cardiologist, she was put on Pimobendan, a medication that has helped slow the onset of symptoms.

With this diagnosis, I have learned as much as possible and contemplated how to move forward. Her medication regimen has held strong, and last year Nala’s doctor thought she might be able to live out the rest of her life without further issues.

Even with this good news, I continued to vigilantly check her breathing rate weekly and monitor her heart status at home. In April of this year, I noticed her breathing rate was much quicker, and I instantly knew something was wrong. I slept near her for two nights, anxiously counting and recounting her breaths so I would have as much data as possible to provide at her upcoming appointment.

It was agonizing having to wait to get her in, but finally, it was time for her appointment. After what seemed like the longest hour, the doctor came out to explain the situation; her breathing rate was increased due to her valve leaking so much that blood was flowing backward into her lungs...this was her initial episode of congestive heart failure (CHF).

I held my composure as he explained the new medications she would need, but once he got to the prognosis, I broke down and cried. Nala’s life expectancy was now only 12 months.

There was a small amount of good news, Nala did not have to be hospitalized. I had done everything right; there was nothing else I could do, her heart was failing her. The doctor explained that Nala would continue to have these episodes, and medications would need to be adjusted, but eventually her heart would ultimately fail, or the medications would put her into kidney failure. I was shattered.

Nala looked at me with her big eyes, not understanding the diagnosis she had just been given. She was ready to go home and continue running around the backyard chasing bunnies and squirrels.

Unable to accept the prognosis, I returned to researching and stumbled upon a medical trial at Colorado State University. Could this be her saving grace?! I found out as much as I could about the heart procedure and emailed the doctors referenced in online articles, and to my surprise, one doctor responded not more than 24 hours later.

The doctor provided information on the trial for a Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Mitral valve repair surgery using a VClamp device – like a mitral valve repair in humans.

I decided to get Nala evaluated as a candidate for surgical intervention, cautious and hopeful thoughts of her being able to live the rest of her life without breathing distress and coughing were all that I could think of. Her initial evaluation was at the end of May, and thankfully, she was accepted as a candidate.

I was over the moon but terrified, as now the choice was in my hands. There are risks with a trial, even though they have had mostly positive outcomes. I struggled with the thought that I could be making the wrong decision. Still, I have concluded that the chance of a normal and longer life is more favorable than doing nothing, and her heart failing over the next several months, an equivalent to drowning on dry land.

This surgery is ground-breaking, and Nala being a part of this trial may help more pups in the future. I’m very hopeful the team at Colorado State University will be able to save my little Nala Wala!

Of course, it is expensive for both the surgery and the device needed to save Nala’s life, and I, unfortunately, do not have the funds to move forward on my own. I have supported my dogs through so much, from emergency vet bills to other chronic conditions that have affected both Allie and Nala, and I have always managed to find a way to get them the care they needed, but now I genuinely need help. The cost for the procedure is between $12,000 - $15,000.

As Nala’s condition continues to worsen, time is of the essence to make sure her heart disease does not further decline. Her surgery is currently scheduled for July 19th, 2022. A donation of any amount will help! Even a share to help spread the word could save my wild little doggy!

Nala will be 11 in September, and even with her heart condition, she has not slowed down. She has so much life left to live! My doggies have been a part of my entire adult life; through many good times and bad, I can’t imagine life without them or for Allie to be alone without her sister.

Fur babies are such a special part of so many families, what we would all do for just one more cuddle or slobbery kiss from our furever friends. Please help me keep Nala by my and Allie’s side for many years to come. Thank you.