Winnie, a 2-year-old Cockapoo, is the most loving and energetic service dog.

Recently, she was diagnosed with Sick Sinus Syndrome (SSS), a serious cardiac condition in which the heart’s natural pacemaker malfunctions, causing dangerously abnormal rhythms. Further testing also revealed an AV block and signs of underlying heart disease. Together, these conditions mean that Winnie’s heart is not firing properly and even stops beating for up to five seconds at a time. Without a pacemaker, her time with us will be drastically shortened.

Her diagnosis came only because her owners, Maddie and Golden, noticed subtle changes in her behavior (lethargy, discomfort, and an irregular heartbeat) on the night of their anniversary. They took her to the vet the next morning, where she underwent chest X-rays, bloodwork, and an attempted ECG. When the X-rays came back clear but her symptoms persisted, Winnie was referred to a cardiologist. On November 14th, the cardiologist completed an echocardiogram and ECG, both of which appeared fairly normal, prompting a 24-hour Holter monitor to uncover what routine testing could not.

Today, the Holter results confirmed their fears: Winnie’s heart was stopping for up to 5 seconds at a time, indicating SSS and an AV block. Maddie and Golden, who were a single-income household until very recently, have already accumulated nearly $3,000 in medical bills just to reach this diagnosis. The pacemaker surgery that Winnie urgently needs is estimated at $10,800. While they do not expect to raise the full amount, any contribution to help ease this overwhelming financial burden, and to give Winnie the chance to live the long, happy life she deserves, would mean the world to them.