Help Us Save Liz!

One night in October of 2018, I was working the closing shift at the animal hospital/rescue I worked for at the time. A foster parent returned a sweet miniature schnauzer, and to our surprise, she appeared scared and covered in urine. It was one of those rare nights where it was quiet and not much going on, so I went away from my regular duties (reception), grabbed the pup from her carrier and bathed her. Of course, I wrapped her up like a baby and held her until she was dry. My manager at the time pointed out how Elizabeth's eyes were locked on me, and how on earth could I not take her home for the night? So what did I do? I took her home for the night, and she never went back.

(Fun fact: Elizabeth was her rescue name and it stuck because she’s a little lady)

About two weeks ago, Lizzie returned from her grooming appointment with bleeding gums. I didn't think anything of it because the poor girl needs a dental, and I figured it was gingivitis. However, the bleeding didn't stop, so I took her to work with me for a full work-up. We discovered she has low platelets (amongst other things, but this was the most concerning) and began treatment. Liz made a few more visits to our primary vet to recheck her blood, but the platelets just would not improve. Fast forward to Monday, 6/13, when I woke up to Liz vomiting what appeared to be digested blood. Sadly in today's world, it costs money to exist, and I knew I couldn't afford the ER. My first instinct was to take her to work where we could get started with chest xrays and hopefully knock some minor things out. We inevitably ended up at the ER and have learned Liz not only has a mass on her spleen, but she is battling two auto-immune diseases, ITP and AIHA.

The ultimate goal is for the blood transfusion and treatment at internal medicine to correct her bloodwork, so she is healthy enough for surgery (exploratory/mass removal). So far, we are at about $3000 at the ER with ongoing treatment, and who knows how much the surgery could cost us. I've never had such a sweet and loving dog, and I can't imagine my life without her. Please consider donating; even $5 could help my baby come home. If you can't donate, please share. Thank you so much for taking the time to read some of Lizzie’s story, and for all of the support! Let’s bring Liz home!