Chica has been a part of our family for 13 years, and she has filled our lives with so much love, and purpose . Now, she needs our help to live out her golden years pain-free.

Chica’s Journey

Chica was the tiniest pup in her litter, a little soul curled up alone in the corner of the box while her siblings huddled together. My husband chose her because she was alone—he wanted to give her the love she deserved.

In 2012, we immigrated from South Africa to Sweden, leaving Chica in the care of family while we searched for jobs and a home. In 2014, she finally made the big journey to Sweden to join us, and our adventure truly began. Like a true Terrier, she loves hiking, running, and digging—always eager to explore the world with us.

But in 2020, everything changed. Chica was diagnosed with SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome), a disease that took her sight in just a few short weeks. At first, she struggled, confused by the sudden constant darkness, but she quickly learned to follow her nose instead of her eyes. Before long, she was back to running around her favorite park, letting her other senses guide her.

In 2024, another challenge arose. Chica developed cataracts in both eyes, and soon after, was diagnosed with glaucoma, a very painful condition caused by pressure buildup in the eye. Over the past five years, she has also had repeat dental operations to remove bad teeth, having her final dental surgery last year that cost us 20,000 SEK which insurance does not cover.

Why We Need Help

Our vet has advised that the glaucoma in Chica’s eye is only going to worsen, and due to her age, the best solution is to remove the affected eye (Enucleation surgery). This will restore her comfort and allow her to enjoy life again without constant pain.

Expenses:

The estimated cost of the surgery is 15,000–20,000 SEK, in addition to 5,000 SEK we have already paid for examinations. While her insurance covers some medical costs, we still have to pay a deductible of 3,000 SEK plus 25% of the total. Unfortunately, after exhausting our savings on her previous medical needs, we are unable to cover this on our OWN. The donated funds will go to the ¹ insurance deductible, ² medicine and ³ follow-up appointments.

Chica’s Current Quality of Life

Despite her eyes, Chica is still a happy and vibrant old lady. She loves sunny walks in the park, mole "hunting" (digging up mole hills and sniffing them excessively), impatiently barking at Meal Time (we lovingly call it ‘shouting at the chef’), and snuggling up for cuddles and kisses. Her favorite things in the world includes her dad (favourite hoomin), and chicken nuggets or any kind of chicken really, but she gets extra excited for a Chicken Nugget. However without surgical intervention there is no doubt that her happiness and health will drastically decline.

Our biggest wish is to give Chica a pain-free summer, where she can continue enjoying the simple joys of life for as long as possible, without suffering.

Where Chica Is Receiving Treatment

Chica is receiving treatment at AniCura Landskrona Smådjursklinik in Sweden, where she has been under the care of experienced veterinarians.

How You Can Help

If you are able to donate, even a small amount, it would mean the world to us. Every little bit helps us get closer to ensuring that Chica can live out her senior years in comfort. If you can’t donate, sharing this fundraiser would also be incredibly helpful to us.

Thank you for taking the time to read Chica’s story. She has given us so much love over the years, and now we just want to keep doing the same for her.

Leané & Sean