This morning started like any other morning. I kissed my sweet boy Hugo, told him I’d see him soon, and dropped him off at daycare so he could play and have fun. Less than five minutes later, my phone rang. Hugo had been struck by a pickup truck. The daycare left their front door wide open. My baby ran out. And in an instant, everything changed. He was rushed to the emergency hospital. When I saw him, my heart shattered. Broken ribs. Fractures. Deep wounds. Trauma everywhere. The doctors told me the next 24–48 hours will determine whether he lives or dies. If he survives, they are warning me that he may never be the same. He may suffer permanent nerve damage. He may not be able to control when he pees or poops. He may need help for the rest of his life. But he is fighting. And I am not giving up on him.

I am speaking to you not just as someone who runs a nonprofit, not just as an animal advocate — but as a mother. Hugo is my child. He is one of our sanctuary residents. He trusts me to protect him. And right now, I feel like I failed him by trusting the wrong place. The emergency bills are already overwhelming and climbing. So far, I have spent over 6,000 on his care, and we are still in critical care. Every test, every medication, every hour of monitoring adds more. I want to say I can handle it alone. I want to be strong enough to do it all myself. But I can’t. I recently opened my nonprofit to help animals in need. I never imagined I would be begging for help to save one of my own so soon. The sanctuary animals depend on me. Hugo depends on me.

If you can give even a few dollars… If you can share this page… If you can help us spread awareness so this doesn’t happen to another dog… Please do. One open door. One moment of negligence. A lifetime of consequences. Hugo is still here. He is breathing. He is fighting. Please help me fight for him. From the bottom of my heart — thank you. — Rachel