This is Tipsy, the happiest dog I know. Tipsy came into my life when she was just four months old, already having survived both parvo and distemper. The distemper left her paralyzed and unable to use her legs. With months of patience and work, she slowly learned to walk again—just a little wobbly, which is how she got her name. Within a year she was running and playing like any other dog. She never grew very big, and after losing her baby teeth, her adult teeth never came in, so her tongue hangs out the side of her mouth in the cutest way. She has never been able to do stairs on her own, but she has always been the happiest dog and greets every day with so much joy.

Recently, something scary started happening—Tipsy began losing the ability to move again. After weeks of tests and many vet bills, we finally got a diagnosis: hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in her brain. Right now she’s on medications to help reduce the pressure. If she doesn’t improve within the next ten days, she may need brain surgery to drain the fluid. I’m currently a full-time PA student and unable to work, so the financial burden has been overwhelming. Tipsy is trying so hard every day to regain her strength, and her neurologist is hopeful she can get back to her happy, playful self with the right treatment.

Any support—whether it’s a donation or simply sharing her story—means the world to both of us. Thank you for believing in Tipsy.