For more than forty years, I have taken in animals who needed somewhere to go — the old ones, the sick ones, the ones nobody else wanted. It's the work of my life, and I've never regretted a single one.

Four of them are still with me: three small dogs, ages 16, 15, and 5, and a 12-year-old cat. They are seniors now. I am the person they have known for most of their lives. Rehoming them at this stage of their lives would break all of us, and for the oldest ones, it could be more than they can bear.

Two years ago, I survived a near-fatal car accident. The recovery has been longer and harder than I expected, and it changed how and where I can work. I am a federal proposal writer with decades of experience, and I am actively looking for remote work to rebuild my income. But I have fallen behind — $6,000 in back rent, utilities overdue, and May's rent is coming due. I need a bridge to stay in my home while I get back on my feet.

My goal is $15,000. That covers the back rent, current rent, utilities, food, and care for my animals — enough stability to focus on finding work without losing the roof over our heads.

Asking for help is not something I do easily. I have spent my life being the one who shows up for others — the animals, my colleagues, my friends. If you are able to give, any amount matters. If you cannot give, sharing this helps just as much.

Thank you for reading, and thank you for caring.