Please Help Jen & Maggie in Tough Times

Hi, I'm Jen. This is my pup, Maggie. She is the sweetest, most loving girl in the world, and I would do anything in this world for her.

**Updates being added below**

Maggie is going through a serious medical challenge right now. We're all very worried for her. We've been going through ultrasounds, x-rays, and multiple appointments. The bills are piling up, and we don't yet have a definitive diagnosis. Unfortunately, we are in a difficult spot because I've recently left my job of 16 years---before Maggie became ill---and my new position doesn't start for another week. I've taken on freelance work, but the money won't arrive for weeks.

If anyone is able to help, it will mean the world to us and to Maggie.

Thank you.

**New update, Saturday, Dec. 7**

Thank you so much, everyone, for your help! Yesterday was a real roller coaster ride. In the morning I took Maggie in for her procedure. She was excited to ride in the car, but started shaking when she saw we were stopping at the veterinary hospital. It was very hard to leave her there, and the tech was extremely patient and kind, answering all of my questions and soothing both Maggie's and my fears.

*Warning: bit of body horror here*

A few hours later I got the call to pick her up---she'd had almost 9 pounds of fluid removed from her abdomen, bringing her weight from 40 to 31 pounds and her waist measurement from 28 to 21 inches. Now we wait for the lab report on that fluid.

In the meantime, She seemed amazingly changed for the better! She clearly felt worlds better! But she had a surprise in store. After a bit of rest at home, I made her a meal. For the first time, she wasn't interested. I thought, maybe she needs to go out. So I brought her out, and she just stood there, swaying. I brought her back in and she collapsed on the floor. I was terrified.

I spoke on the phone to our very kind and generous vet for 20 minutes while I stroked Maggie. Our conversation ranged from preparing me for the imminent worst to the possibility that this was a faint brought on by lowered blood pressure from fluid removal and low blood sugar from missed meals. I was beside myself. But when Dan returned from work, she raised her head, popped up and trotted to the door with tail wagging to greet him! Then she zoomed into the kitchen and ate her entire meal! So...it's been a real adventure. She seems to be feeling well today! Fingers crossed that this good feeling continues, and that we get the best possible news from the lab. Thank you so much!!!

**Update, Tuesday, Dec. 3**

I spoke with the vet today, and Maggie will need to go in for another procedure on Friday to remove fluid from her abdomen. She is still Maggie, and still wags when someone comes to the door, still loves her toys and her walks, still eats her meals and wants to cuddle. We promised her the best life possible when we adopted her, and we mean to keep that promise. Thank you so much.