Nora came into my life on the day of my mom's wake, on my mom's birthday, 3 1/2 years ago.  She walked right into to my mom and dad's house and sat down on the couch next to me.  None of the guest brought her.  She was a stray and just wandered in at the right time. Thus naming her after my mom.  Noras was very under weight ( then 39lbs and now 66 lbs ) had really dirty ears and bloody elbows.  Her poor little nose what like a charcoal briquet.  She had obviously been left outdoors with no food and neglected big time.  Though she was so sweet like life was great for her, which we all know it wasn't so great. She was heaven sent from my mom, no doubt about it.  Nora has brought me so much love over the years, it's been amazing.  Although, Nora has had several medical issues over the years.  Multiple tumors have been surgically removed over the years.  She's on Metacam,  anti-inflamatory, every day due to her arthritis.  She's also on Tramadol pain killers 3 x a day.  Cosequin for her bad joints and probiotics in her food for her tummy issues. She got diagnosed with Cushings disease about 6 months ago.  She's on 70mgTrilostane per day to treat the Cushings. We are literally spending 500$ a month on Nora's meds alone. I've never comlained or asked for help.  I signed up for it and so I handle the asociated costs involved.  Like I said, I signed up for this.

Until today.....

I stayed home from work sick today as I came down with a cold.  ( Blessing in disguise )

When I woke up, Nora was almost non responsive. Breathing real heavy with deep exhales, mouth locked shut.  Wouldn't drink water, wouldn't eat a snack and wouldn't go for a walk.  Couldn't walk.  SOMETHING IS WRONG.... 

Rushed her to my normal vet, he took XRAYS of her chest and then rushed us to the ER down the street.  She is at the VCA right now getting tests done.  Right off the bat, they have charged me $ 1676.oo for the initial tests.  Plus another $ 500 for blood work.  That's already $ 2176 and I expect it to rise, thus this account.

This is where I am asking for help for Nora.  I'm at my financial breaking point.  I have no idea how I will pay for this latest round of vet bills.  I've never had a gofundme account so this is totally new to me.  Please help us keep Nora alive with us, if you can....

UPDATE :  Just got news.  Noras body temp keeps rising.  At 1pm today it was 102F and now its 103.3.  The VCA is keeping her overnight and doing an ultrasound on her heart in the am.  My lil girl is staying the night and getting more tests in the am.  My boy Jay is not handling this well.  He misses his sister.  Another $1500 to the bill...... This is just crazy.  Our poor lil girl.  Not a dry eye in our house.  Pray for lil Nora if you can.

UPDATE : Nora's temp rose to 105F over night.  Test results show that she has a severe kidney infection.  She is in the intensive care unit of the VCA.  She will be getting an ultrasound this afternoon.  We did go visit her today and she is a tab better which is encouraging.  The doc told us she will need to stay there until at least Sunday night.  Poor little girl... She is on IV antibiotics 24/7 right now.

UPDATE 12-09-2016 7:00 P.M. Just got a call from the doc. Along with the severe kidney infection, Nora has large kidney stones. Once we manage the infection with antibiotics, then we have options on how to get rid of the stones. The stones are too big too pass, thus the infection. Nora has always had urinary tract infections for as long as we have owned her, which is been 3 1/2 years. We've treated with pills and even given her daily shots in the past. The infection never went away..... Now we know why. After the infection is gone, we will discuss all the options. One option already given to us is that we have to take her to UC Davis for the stone surgery....... At least, everything should be treatable. Get the infection under control and get rid of the stones.. Geesh I really hope this is it......

UPDATE 12-10-2016 5 pm Nora is starting to do better.  She is not septic anymore and starting to recover.  Although this is just the start of the battle.  She has kidney stones in her kidneys, ureter and bladder.  So those still need to be addresses, we've only addressed her immediate symptoms and controlled the infection.  Literally saving  her life.  Now we need to get rid of the stones.  No idea on those costs yet, so the financial goal is only set to what we have paid so far.  Oh goodie.....we are not done yet.

UPDATE 12-11-16 1:15 pm
WOOHOOOO, Nora is well enough to come home. With an Array of meds to say the least. 5 different pills, 3x a day. We will get the urine culture results on Tuesday to determine her next meds. Then we have to discuss the options of surgery to remove all the stones in her ureter, kidneys and bladder. They need to be surgically removed still. Thank god she's home !!

UPDATE 12-13-2016
Nora's cultures came back positive for 3 bad bacterias, STILL. Argghh. Re-test the urine and blood on next Tuesday. We got to get the infection under control before they will do surgery. Oh great, they get to swipe my credit card again !! At least our girl is home and she is not septic anymore. THAT'S what's important....

UPDATE 12-16-2016
Out of meds.  Just got more and the total goal amount just skyrocketed !  Help if you are able or spread the word if not.  Either way we appreciate the support we have got so far !

UPDATE 12-20-2016
Nora is doing much better every day. Took her back to the VCA today to check urine and blood and get more meds. We will get results in a few days. Another $ 548 down the rabbit hole for our little girl !!!!