Hi everyone,

My name is Cat, and this is my little dog, Winnie — nine pounds of sweetness, spirit, and pure heart.

In November 2023, just before her first birthday, Winnie suddenly became very sick and was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition called puppy strangles. The treatment saved her life, but it also revealed another serious issue: her liver enzymes were dangerously high.

For over a year, we’ve been searching for answers — countless tests, consults, and diagnostics. Then in April 2025, after a CT scan, we finally got answers — but they weren’t the ones we hoped for. The scan showed that Winnie had developed multiple acquired portosystemic shunts, meaning that blood was bypassing her liver entirely. Our internist told me she was in end-stage liver failure and offered only palliative care.

But when we got home, Winnie looked at me with those sweet eyes, grabbed her toy, and wanted to play. In that moment, I knew she wasn’t done — and neither was I.

We found a nutritionist and a supportive vet willing to keep trying. Together, we adjusted her diet, supplements, and medications — and the progress has been incredible.

Her liver values have improved dramatically:

ALT: from 1,649 → 478

AST: from 1,146 → 287

ALP: from 278 → 127 (normal!)

Her energy is great, she loves her new diet (I cook for her :)), and she enjoys playing and going on walks with the neighbor dogs. She’s not “cured,” but she’s stable and happy — and that’s everything.

Winnie is actually double insured, but even that hasn’t covered enough. The policy that includes her liver condition only pays up to $3,000 per year, which goes quickly for a special-needs pet. I added a second insurance plan to help with other emergencies or illnesses, but that plan doesn’t cover anything liver-related because it’s considered a pre-existing condition.

Between her diagnostics, specialist visits, and medications, I’ve already spent over $4,000 out of pocket (after insurance), plus ongoing costs:

Like many people, I’ve had a difficult year — I lost my job at the end of last year, then had to leave another position due to my own health issues. Still, I’ve done everything I can to keep her care consistent and her quality of life high.

This gofundme will help pay down the debt from Winnie’s earlier vet bills and support her care for the year ahead — medications, supplements, and regular lab work that keep her liver stable. Every dollar raised will go directly toward her care.

With your help, I can make sure that financial hardship never limits Winnie’s care or her chance to keep thriving.

Even small donations — or shares — make a big difference. Thank you for helping me care for this brave little dog who’s been my heart through everything.

With love and gratitude,

Cat & Winnie