Mochi is the happiest little dog who brings joy to everyone she meets. Behind her wagging tail, she is battling congestive heart failure and urgently needs a rare, life-saving open-heart surgery.

At just 7 years old, Mochi was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) and experienced her first episode of congestive heart failure (CHF) in December 2025. When dogs reach this stage, their life expectancy is often limited to 1-2 years. Mochi has been managing her condition with medication, but unfortunately medication alone is not enough to give her a long-term future. To survive and thrive, Mochi needs open-heart surgery.

This surgery is extremely rare. Only 5 hospitals in the world currently perform it. After months of research, I found the best option for Mochi at Jasmine Veterinary Hospital in Japan. They have a 97.5% success rate and are leading the world in this procedure, even training other hospitals internationally.

The surgery itself costs approximately $15,000 in Japan. When factoring in pre-op testing, post-op care, ongoing medication, travel, 3-4 weeks of lodging in Japan, and extended recovery, we anticipate the total cost will exceed $23,000. By the way, the Jasmine Veterinary Hospital in Japan is also the most affordable option, with the surgery alone costing $50,000 in Florida, $33,000 in the UK, $31,000 in France, and $20,000 in Abu Dhabi.

Yes, you saw that right, we have to stay 3-4 weeks in Japan. It is advised to arrive 1 week prior, and stay 2 weeks after since it's such an intense surgery and there are often complications.

The surgery takes 6-10 hours, she can't leave the hospital for 5 days, and then I will be a dog-nurse, caring for her in Japan until she is well enough to fly back home to LA.

After surgery she will be confined to crate rest for 1 month, with no walks while the sutures heal. The first 3 months she will be on blood-thinners and only be allowed minimal exercise. It's a long road but will be worth it. We are ready. ❤️‍

This has been an overwhelming and emotional journey, but Mochi has an incredible chance at a long, happy life once we get her this surgery. You can learn more about her story at instagram.com/mochifig

Every donation, share, and kind message means more than I can express. If you are unable to donate, sharing this page helps just as much.

Thank you for loving Mochi and for helping us give her the chance she deserves. ❤️‍

With all my love and gratitude,

Michelle

(Mochi’s Mom)