Good evening,

It is not normal for me to create a link of this nature, however, my dog, Kenai, has unfortunately fallen on hard times. Today, he was taken to the vet where he was diagnosed with Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA), a condition in which his body's immune system mistakes his red blood cells as a pathogen-- attacking and removing them, as well as, Immune Mediated Thrombocytopenia (ITP), a condition where the body attacks and destroys platelets (factor of blood that helps with clotting). Together, they are known as Evan's Syndrome, a serious illness in dogs. Currently, he is at the emergency vet being treated for this condition, however, he may need additional testing in the coming days to stabilize him in which I am asking funding for. I will detail his story below.

PURPOSE:

To raise funds to cover medical costs for today's vet visit, as well as, future medical visits surrounding this condition. To cover potential blood transfusions, life-saving medications, testing, intravenous fluids, and anything else needed to keep him in good health.

STORY:

Kenai, my two year old lively Australian shepherd, started feeling sick over this weekend. I noticed my little buddy wasn't feeling right Sunday, before my evening shift at work. That morning, we went on our daily walk where I noticed he was much slower than his usual perky self, and I assumed the humidity was affecting him. Later that evening, I was getting ready for work, when I noticed he was still acting quite lethargic. I checked his gums, and they had appeared a bit more pale in color. He was still drinking water, urinating, and grazing on his food bowl, so I figured I could take him to the vet today, July 28, the morning after my shift.

I had a neighbor watch him for me while at my shift, and while he was staying with her, he seemed to be more and more not like his normal self. Sleepy, lethargic, shying away from treats, not interested in his best friend, Lily, the neighbor dog, and overall not very interactive.. I knew in my gut something was wrong, so I came home halfway through my shift to care for him for the rest of the evening.

On the morning of the 28th, I took him to an urgent care as soon as I could. There, his vital signs were not ideal. He had a fever of 104.5. A low heart rate. Somewhat rapid breathing. The vet stated it was good to bring him in when I did, because there was definitely something out of the ordinary going on.

There, they ran multiple tests. One of them being an abdominal x-ray and another one being routine blood work. The abdominal x-ray showed multiple small unknown objects in the stomach that did not appear kibble-like, however, it did not seem to be obstructing the bowel. It is a possibility that he could have ingested something he wasn't supposed to, however, it doesn't seem to be the main indicator of his symptoms. The Urgent Care vet also wanted to run blood work to see what was happening internally, and that was where we found most of the answers we were searching for.

His blood work showed a low amount of blood components within the blood-- red blood cells, hematocrit, platelets, etc. It also showed that he had a high white blood cell count-- a component of blood that appears typically in infection or when the body is fighting something off. From there, the vet had explained that he has a condition known as Evan's Syndrome (IMHA & ITP). This condition causes the body to fight off it's own red blood cells and platelets, causing him to become extremely anemic. It is an autoimmune disease that can be triggered by a multitude of factors, causing a flare up like the one he was presenting with today.

From there, we were given a referral to an Emergency Vet. We went immediately over where they took his vital signs, and took him to the back to immediately start a blood transfusion. Currently, I am sitting in their lobby as I type this message. This is where I come in to ask for help.

This evening, I am able to cover his single blood transfusion he is currently receiving, however, it is likely that in order to stabilize him that he would most likely need multiple transfusions, more medications, more testing & bloodwork, and potentially an extended hospital stay. Without funding for it, it is a poor prognosis.

DONATION USE:

Today, I am asking for anything that anyone could spare. This would go to cover only medical costs for Kenai-- testing, transfusions, medications, exam fees, etc.

If fundraising is not completed in time to get him back to better health, any funding raised would be used on vet bills that have accrued from today's event, and unfortunately, euthanasia to make his final moments peaceful.

SUMMARY:

If you know me, and if you know Kenai, you know he is attached at my hip. We are always going on walks, sunbathing in the grass, traveling together, and we spend most of our time together. If I can do anything to make his life the best that I can, I will go the extra mile to do it. He is my best friend, so much so that he feels more than just a dog to me. It absolutely breaks my heart to have to be writing this. Anything that can be given will be wildly appreciated and put to good use. I appreciate the time and consideration you have put into reading this piece, and I thank you for listening to Kenai's story. I will continue to update this post as his care continues.

Hug your fur babies a little tighter tonight, and give them lots of love. They are truly taken sooner than anyone is ever ready for. Thank you so much, and I hope you have a blessed night.

07/29 UPDATE 01:30am

We have returned home after one unit of packed red blood cells being administered.

Kenai's PCV (packed cell volume) prior to treatment was 16 to 18%. Post transfusion, his PCV has increased to 20%. Normal range for PCV in dogs in 37 to 61.7 %.

Going home, he still has a fever of 103.9.

He has been started on a steroid, prednisone, as well as an immunosuppressant drug, cyclosporine.

Though he got treatment to feel a little better for tonight, he will definitely still need further testing done. The vet has told me that he will need repeat bloodwork in about 12 hours to see where his blood levels are at. From there, we would decide if he would need another transfusion-- which is highly likely.

Unfortunately, if funding is not sufficient to cover the funds of a second transfusion, we would be looking at going forward with performing euthanasia, so he no longer has to suffer in this state.

Currently, as I type this, he is snoozing away on the couch. We got to visit our neighbor, and Kenai got to reconnect with his bestie Lily after a long day of not seeing each other. He is definitely more alert, walking more, however, obviously still very fatigued to say the least.

Plans tonight include lots of cuddles, rest, movies, homemade chicken and rice, and kisses galore. We will see what tomorrow brings us, but for now I am going to soak in all the love with the best boy that has ever graced this earth. (': <3

07/29 UPDATE 06:00am

Not much sleep on my end tonight, but I have been providing care for Kenai all evening. He has been resting in various places in the house, still wanting to be my shadow and following me everywhere I go. Even when he doesn't have much energy to spare, he's gotta see what Mom is up to.

He has drank plenty of water, and he has urinated multiple times. I made him chicken & rice and mixed it with his kibble (his favorite sick day meal), and he ate a good portion of it. He even received a proper "Yay Kenai" celebration (those who know, know) where he let out a loud (and cheerful) howl.

I have been placing cold damp towels on him and placing an ice pack near the groin area to help cool him down some. I took another temperature at home, and his temperature has gone down to 102.2, which falls in the range of a normal temperature for dogs (100 to 102.5 degrees).

I am not sure where today will take us, but I am extremely grateful that I was able to spend the night showing him the best love and sharing with him all the memories we've created together.

We watched both Brother Bear movies together, because that is where his name originates from. In it, the main character is gifted a totem that represents himself. Kenai, the bear of love. I think that ended up suiting my baby boy quite well. <3

07/29 UPDATE 08:30am

Unfortunately, my babe's symptoms have worsened. He is once again becoming extremely lethargic, seeing slight traces of blood in his stool, and around 07:00am I noticed he was starting to develop small focal seizures.

With the way yesterday went, I do not want to put my sweet through that much pain and suffering again. It is with a heavy heart that I am sharing that we will be moving forward with putting my beloved Kenai to rest.

Any funds raised will be directly allocated to recent vet bills and his scheduled appointment today. I appreciate any and everyone who has read this page or donated to help me and Kenai boy.

Take a moment today to think about love. To think about family, friends, pets, and more. To express that love and share it with those around you. That is what my Kenai would want for his final moments. Forever he will be my love bug <3

07/29 UPDATE 05:15pm

My wonderful Kenai has peacefully found his way to the other side. He was shown so much love and admiration for his final day in this realm. He visited with our friends next doors, got to see his favorite buddy, Lily, for some time, got to sniff brother hedgehog, Kiwi, for a bit, and spent some quality time with his Auntie Kendra and I.

When speaking to the vet, she had let me know that if it were herself in my shoes that she would have performed the same measures. It put some ease to my heart to know that I was making the right decision for him. I did not want to prolong his suffering for my own personal gain of keeping him on this earth with me. This has been one of the hardest decisions I have ever made in my entire life, but I know his spirit lives on through me and his loved ones.

No longer is he in a physical body that causes him to suffer. I still feel his presence around me, and I know that he won't ever leave my side. His spirit is now free to be comfortable, soothed, and chasing all the bunnies and eating all the leaves he can dream of. My Kenai is free <3

TO ANYONE WHO HAS DONATED:

Thank you from the absolute bottom of my heart. Most of this funding will most likely be used for emergent vet care bills, and I am extremely grateful that it will help me to offload some the costs. I don't regret any decisions I made in his care, and I am glad to see he has such an army behind him to support him. Kenai loves each and every single one of you, and we both thank you for assisting in his peaceful departure.

Much love,

Ky Lael and the never ending spirit of Kenai <3