On Wednesday, my dog Dot aspirated on her throw up and within two days developed pneumonia. The illness progressed so quickly that her left lung was almost completely filled with fluid. I rushed her to the emergency vet, where she was deemed critical and admitted overnight for intensive care. After doing well on supplemental oxygen, she was released the next day. However, early Sunday morning, Dot began going cyanotic again and had to be rushed back for another round of intensive care. Thankfully, she was released Sunday night and is now recovering beautifully.

Dot’s emergency care costs had to be paid entirely upfront to begin her treatment. Covering these costs has left me unable to pay my rent, and I’m now facing the possibility of eviction. Rent is due by the 5th, and if it isn’t paid in full by the 15th, the eviction process begins. This situation has been overwhelming and frightening, but I did everything in my power to make sure Dot would come home.

I’m hoping that nobody has to be in this position, or if they have been, they’ve been able to recover from the overwhelming pressure of keeping your fur baby alive and avoiding a scary and painful passing. I did everything I could to ensure Dot would make it home, and I’m hoping, out of the kindness of others, we are able to keep that home. It’s so much to ask, and I feel like I’m caught between a rock and a hard place, but this happened suddenly and shook my family to our core. I wouldn’t have risked this position if I didn’t truly love my girl, and truly, I would give my last breath for her safety.