Meet Athena Saige: My World, My Heart, My Everything

Saige isn't just my dog, she's been my constant companion, my lifeline, and my world since I brought her home at just 2 months old. Now 5 years old, this incredible German Shepherd has traveled across the United States and internationally with me, exploring new places with her signature giddy, happy-go-lucky personality that makes everyone who meets her fall in love instantly.

Saige graduated high school with me in 2021 as my service dog, providing me with the support I needed. Though now retired from service work, she remains my closest companion. 

At 22, having recently moved thousands of miles away, to Oregon, with just my dog and goals, Saige truly is my family and I never anticipated facing veterinary bills exceeding $3,000 in a single weekend.

When My Happy Girl Stopped Being Herself three days ago; my vibrant, 

vocal, jumpy girl suddenly became lethargic and withdrawn. The dog who normally bounces with excitement was slow to get up, groaning when standing up, reluctant to jump on furniture, not wanting to drink water, and when she tried to bark, something that usually comes so naturally to her, she would yelp and gag afterward. Something was terribly wrong. After a sleepless night of worry, I rushed Saige to an Emergency Animal Hospital, fearing the worst. The emergency visit revealed a complex medical mystery that required extensive testing and immediate treatment.

First Emergency Visit (May 22, 2025)

The initial examination revealed several concerning conditions:

- Pyrexia (persistent fever of 104°F)

- Severe lethargy and weight loss

- Intermittent left hindlimb lameness

- Elevated liver enzymes indicating potential liver dysfunction though better than her previous blood work results in March. The veterinary team performed comprehensive blood work, fluid therapy, and started Saige on antibiotics and anti nausea medication. However, her condition required further investigation.

Second Emergency Visit (May 23, 2025)

When Saige's symptoms persisted and new concerns emerged, we returned for more extensive diagnostics:

- Abdominal ultrasound to rule out internal complications

- Comprehensive blood chemistry panel revealing multiple abnormalities

- Complete blood count showing concerning changes

- Tick-borne disease testing due to suspicious symptoms

- Radiologist consultation for specialized imaging interpretation

The blood work revealed:

- Elevated liver enzymes (ALT: 153, ALP: 208) - ALT significantly above normal ranges

- Low platelets (121) - very concerning to everyone who has seen her in the ER

- Abnormal protein levels

- Multiple electrolyte imbalances

Third Emergency Visit (May 24/25, 2025)

Aside from a persistent fever and symptoms, Saige had started to cough and gag a lot more and did not want to eat food, so I brought her back for more tests:

- Full chest X-ray was expedited but nothing was found abnormal which made doctors more perplexed and concerned

Doctors are convinced it’s autoimmune related due to her symptoms and increased hind leg lameness. Saige was given fluids to address potential dehydration with her lack of drinking water, pain management medication, and appetite enhancers to encourage her to eat so I can administer her antibiotics.

- Continue to wait for tick-borne disease test results to potentially start tests to support the steroid treatment for autoimmune diseases.

Despite extensive testing, Saige's condition remains mostly mysterious.

The veterinary team suspects:

- Possible tick-borne disease or autoimmune condition

- Liver dysfunction requiring specialized diet and ongoing monitoring

- Potential need for steroid intervention if autoimmune disease is confirmed

Saige is currently on a regimen of:

- Doxycycline (antibiotic for tick-borne diseases)

- Ondansetron (anti-nausea medication)

-  and codeine (pain management)

- Specialized hepatic diet

- Multiple liver support supplements

The mounting expenses include:

- Emergency Visit #1:~ $900

- Emergency Visit #2:~ $1,800

- Emergency Visit #3: ~ $1,100

- Potential additional diagnostics:~ $2,400+

This amount is the emergency bills already incurred, ongoing treatment, and provide a buffer for additional care Saige needs as we work toward a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan.

Saige has given me everything. She's been my motivation, my adventure companion across countries, and my source of unconditional love through every challenge. Her sweet, giddy personality and love for meeting new people has brought joy to countless others throughout our travels.

At just 5 years old, Saige has so much life ahead of her. The veterinary team is optimistic that with proper treatment, she can return to her happy, energetic self. She's already showing very small signs of improvement with the current treatment, but consistency and ongoing care are crucial.

Saige has been my world for 5 years. She's traveled with me, supported me, and brought endless joy to my life and the lives of everyone she meets. Now, when she needs me most, I'm asking for help to give her the chance to return to being the happy, giddy, adventure loving girl she's always been. To give her what she gave me. Unconditional love, Unwavering loyalty, and the promise that no matter what, we’ll face this together. She never gave up on me, and I won’t give up on her.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for considering a donation to help save Saige. Whether you can contribute financially or simply share this campaign, your support means everything to us.

Saige may not understand why she doesn't feel well right now, but she's still trying to wag her tail and give kisses to everyone at the veterinary hospital. She’s trying to be strong, and I’m trying to be strong for her. That fighting spirit deserves every chance we can give her.

Help me bring my girl home healthy. Help me give Saige the life she deserves.

All donations go directly to Saige's medical expenses. Thank you for being part of Saige's healing journey.