Kaya came into my life as a tiny nine-week-old puppy, and for the past 15 years, she has been my constant companion and my baby. She was a unique soul—never the best with other dogs, but she absolutely adored her sister Sonu, my boyfriend’s dog. Watching Sonu search for Kaya since she’s been gone has been one of the hardest parts of this loss. Kaya had her quirks, like always sleeping in my closet, a habit I think came from her Husky side. Coming home and not finding her there has left a huge hole in my heart, and even cleaning out the closet was a painful reminder that she’s really gone.

Two nights ago, Kaya suddenly couldn’t stand and had stopped eating. I rushed her to the emergency vet at midnight, where I learned her spleen had ruptured and she was bleeding internally. After running many tests, the prognosis was not good, and I had to make the heartbreaking decision to let her go. The emergency care and tests came with an unexpected expense, especially as the sole provider in my household while my boyfriend is starting a new business.

Just a week prior, we had also received the devastating news that her sister, Sonu, has a malignant tumor in her leg that will likely require a limb amputation, and we had just completed a series of extensive and costly tests to determine her life expectancy.

The funds raised will help cover Kaya’s emergency vet bill, cremation services, and past medical expenses. This support will help me manage my monthly budget and give me space to grieve and heal without the added stress of financial worry. Since sharing about Kaya’s passing, I’ve seen so many people post pictures of their own pets. I just want to remind everyone to love their pets every chance they get, because tomorrow is never promised. Any support or kindness during this time means the world to me.