Mae Mae's Epilepsy Vet Bills and Medications

Hi! My name is Danielle and I'm reaching out for help for my baby girl Mae. Mae Mae is my beautiful, rambunctious, ice loving, water fearing, kiss giving, talkative 7-month-old husky. She has been rehomed 3 times in her short life but I'm so happy she found her forever home with me. I knew Mae was quite the little crazy lady and had some behavioral issues.... that we now know are from an underlying illness.

They say everything happens for a reason and I believe we found each other so we could help each other. I don't know what I would do without this amazing girl in my life.

Mae began having small seizures at only a few months old. Possibly before but the breeder and first owner didn't disclose that information nor did they seek treatment for her before passing her off to another family. I tried getting her in to see a primary care vet but “due to Covid” everyone was booked for months. In the past 2 months I have had her, the seizures began to get worse and worse. She began to lose her memory and her motor skills were impacted. During the seizures her body would lock up (seize), her bowels would release, she would foam at the mouth, become disoriented and lose her ability to walk for hours. All I could do was hold her and tell her it was going to be okay until they were over. These episodes lasted anywhere from 1-3 minutes and would affect her for several hours and sometimes days.

Watching her in distress, knowing I couldn't make it stop, was the hardest thing I've ever had to endure. Her big blue eyes would lock onto mine and not let go until they closed, and she would fall asleep in my arms.

On December 31st- January 1st, her health took a rapid decline. Mae suffered 5 major seizures within 24 hours. I took her to Tufts Veterinary emergency room not knowing if I would see her again. When I brought her in, she was immediately taken in while I stayed in the waiting room for hours with no word.

The vet came and got me and brought me into a room where they told me they told me she would never be the same dog again but to not give up hope. I knew it was serious when they asked me if I would want her resuscitated if her heart stopped. I would get no information until January 3rd. The hardest 48 hours of my life.

Dog after dog after dog came out tail wagging greeting their owners. Then I saw her.... Mae was carried out by of the hospital staff with a carrying harness around her waist as she was unable to walk. Her eyes were closed. Her head, leg, side and two feet were shaved. They laid her down in front of me, her big blue eyes glossed over glaring at me with confusion, while the vet gave me her preliminary diagnosis. I began weeping.

They performed an MRI, a spinal tap, multiple blood tests, 2 metabolic panels (that they won't have results back for weeks), and other procedures I couldn't understand. Her diagnosis finally came. Juvenile Epilepsy… along with vision impairment, motor skill impairment and delayed response/ reactions time that are at this point irreversible and will be part of the rest of her life. The vet said it is common for husky's but not this early. She also asked me if I could eve handle taking Mae home as she reiterated, she will never be the same dog and her life will be difficult. She will be on two medications (8 pills a day) for her epilepsy and to manage her seizures for the rest of her life. Her case is extreme, her life expectancy has been shortened, and she will struggle. But she can have an amazing life as long as it is managed.

I promised Mae the day I got her that I would never leave her side. Even though everyone in my life told me to put her up for adoption. I made her a promise and I keep my promises no matter how many sacrifices I have to make. She not only needs me, but I need her.

After Mae came into my life in November (within 2 weeks) I was laid off from my job, my relationship with my significant other of 6 years ended (they now have the dog I spent 6 years with too), I was told I had to move, I started a small business that is failing and I fell back into a deep depression which I've suffered from for as long as I can remember. The only thing in my life getting me up in the morning was and is Mae. Jumping on me, snuggling up to me and making me realize it was going to be okay. I also began having major panic attacks again (another thing I've dealt with my whole life). Every time I began to have a panic attack she would run to my side and nuzzle her head into me, giving me all the kisses. She quickly became my certified emotional support animal and never left my side. Mae has gone everywhere with me since she came into my life. She even comes to the doctor with me and was training to go into cancer clinics. She went once and did so well! Everyone loved her! I have showed her the ocean, chicken nuggets, taken her on road trips and adventures and given her more love than I have ever given anyone or anything in my life. We have so many plans when the weather gets nicer to go camping, hiking and so many other trips! I want her to see so much of this world and experience everything with me.

Since losing my job, she has been my first priority. I am asking for help with her vet bills, medications and her upkeep. I have never been the one to ask for anything. I'm usually the person who has plenty to give... until now. Any help you can provide whether it's financial, prayers or just keeping us in your thoughts I would be forever grateful for. WE will be forever grateful for. The world is full of amazing people and I hope nothing but the best for everyone and their fur babies, reptile babies or any type of baby.

Thank you again for reading about Mae and I and know how grateful and thankful we are for you all!