Hi everyone, thank you for taking the time to read. You have no idea how much it means for my family. This fundraiser is for Sammy, my family's rock since 2014. Those of you who know me or my mom, know that Sammy is not just a pet, but he is another member of our family with as much spirit and soul and character as the rest of us.

For those of you who do not know us, I will fill you in on the last seven and a half years filled with love thanks to Sammy's huge heart.. And also why I ate up the courage to ask for help.

Sammy is the most amazing dog I will ever have the privilege to call my own. He is sooooo tiny but despite his small size, he plays this huge role of guard dog in his mind (in reality, he's just a stuffed animal). He acts like a puppy all the time and is a big foodie. Of course, Sammy is nothing but spoiled with love at home. How can you say no to the little prince of the house? 

Sammy has taught us patience, compassion, and loyalty. No matter what happens, nothing can change the way we feel about him, and I know he feels the same way about us. How this tiny dog can show us more love us than we could ever love ourselves? I don't understand how, but one thing I'm certain of is this: dogs have a special place in heaven because they are literal angels.

Now this is the part where things become hard to digest and express. Sammy is now seven years old, and he's had 3 surgeries in the past 2 years (June 2019, April 2020, July 2021).





Sammy has recurrent stones forming in his bladder and kidneys that causes painful UTIs, bloody urine, discomfort, and the dangerous possibility of blockage and bladder rupture. The stones he develops are made up of calcium oxalate. Unlike other types of stones, these cannot be dissolved with a diet. So there is no other way to get rid of them unless it is by physically removing them.

I don't want to remember the nights he spent without eating, without rest, without energy. The pain I've seen Sammy go through is tough for me because Sammy is usually full of life and energy. The decision to continously take him in to the vet for surgery is horrible because part of me worries how much Sammy's little body can really take. 

I have done everything I can to stop the stones from coming back each time. I've spent hours researching on my own, speaking to vets, specialists, and I can't help but feeling like a failure sometimes. But I'm eating up all of those feelings today because I have to continue to keep Sammy as healthy as possible.

This past labor day weekend, Sammy started peeing blood and we knew our worst nightmare had returned. Could Sammy survive another surgery? After rushing to a new vet, I was given some bit of hope. It took me a day to find a place with the right technology and an hour long ride to be given a new opportunity for Sammy. Without cutting him open a fourth time, the vets are going to try to use other methods of removing his stones this upcoming Tuesday. No more long recovery periods for Sammy.  Sammy has missed two summers already  because he couldn't go outside to enjoy the park or fun walks in the sun.

However, costs are quickly adding up between checkups, ER visits, X Rays, urine tests, special diets, medications, and most of all the surgerys/ procedures that must be done.

As much as I am not used to asking for help like this, I have to do so now because I've already spent close to ~$14k the past two years. This is a condition I know will last for the rest of Sammy's life, but he deserves the best I can do for him. Whatever I can do to ease his pain, I will do it. Even if you can't help by donating anything, I appreciate you reading until the end. I also am just hoping that by making this gofundme makes this situation easier to talk about because it is so draining sometimes. Truly, it's not just about donating, any and all prayers and thoughts are welcome.

If other petowners are reading this, feeling lost about their own pets, I will do my best to listen to you. Sammy is my first dog and I've learned so much with him. If there is anything I can share from my experiences to help, please reach out to me. 

I am so grateful for my best friend, and will forever be grateful to those who help me keep my best friend happy. 

- Kellie

If you want to check out Sammy day by day, my mom "manages" an Instagram account for Sammy because she adores taking pictures of him. @sammy_the_baby