This weekend, our sweet dog Eddy went from being his happy, playful self to spending hours in the emergency vet fighting a serious illness we never saw coming.

My husband Josh and I share our lives with our dog Eddy, a rescue who has always been a constant source of joy, comfort, and unconditional love in our home. Anyone who knows us knows that Eddy is more than just a pet — he’s family.

This past weekend quickly turned into one of the scariest experiences we’ve ever had with him.

On Friday morning, I noticed something wasn’t quite right. Eddy was shivering and seemed unusually low on energy. I left him with my mom while I went to work, and later that day she called to tell me he hadn’t finished his breakfast. While that isn’t completely unusual for him, it was enough to make me take note.

By the time I got home from work, his energy had dropped even more. The shivering had become more noticeable and he had no interest in eating dinner — something that is very unlike him.

That night we took him to an urgent veterinary clinic where they performed a gastro exam and believed he may have ingested something he shouldn’t have. They gave him fluids, anti-nausea medication, and sent us home with pain medication.

The next day I stayed home with him to keep a close eye on him. At first I felt hopeful. He was eating the white rice and chicken recommended by the vet, and we had been told the medication could cause sedation, so I assumed his low energy was just a side effect.

But as the day went on, it became clear something still wasn’t right. Eddy was becoming even more lethargic and just wasn’t acting like himself.

Early the next morning, after discussing how worried we were, Josh encouraged me to bring him back in because something didn’t feel right. Instead of returning to the urgent clinic, I decided to take him straight to the emergency vet.

After spending 9 long hours there and undergoing multiple tests including bloodwork, x-rays, and an ultrasound, we finally got an answer.

Eddy was diagnosed with Addison’s disease.

Addison’s disease is a serious condition where a dog’s adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones that help regulate important body functions like electrolytes, blood pressure, and stress response. Without treatment it can become life-threatening, but the good news is that with proper care, dogs with Addison’s can still live long and happy lives.

However, the treatment is lifelong.

Eddy will now require daily steroid medication, monthly hormone injections, and regular veterinary monitoring to keep him healthy and stable.

The news was overwhelming, and the unexpected expenses from the emergency visits, testing, and diagnostics have quickly added up. On top of that, Eddy will need ongoing treatment and regular checkups for the rest of his life to manage this condition.

I never imagined I would have to do this, but Eddy means the world to us and we will do anything to keep him healthy.

The funds raised will go directly toward Eddy’s veterinary bills, medications, monthly injections, and the ongoing treatments he needs to manage Addison’s disease. Every donation, no matter the size, will help ensure Eddy gets the care he deserves and can continue being the happy, loving dog who brings so much joy into our lives.

If you are able to donate, we are incredibly grateful. And if donating isn’t possible, sharing Eddy’s story would mean just as much.

Your kindness and generosity truly make a difference, and we appreciate any support you can give as we navigate this unexpected journey.

Thank you for helping us take care of our sweet Eddy. ❤️

— Brianna & Josh