Dakota and I have a shared story, and I’m ready to tell it to you all. This is hard for me to do, but I hope you will take the time to read it.

Let me start off by saying this: if there is one thing I have learned working in rescue, it is that animals bring out the best in us.

Time and time again, I have seen our community come together to save our dogs and cats. I have seen thousands of dollars raised for dogs with broken bones, hundreds of thousands raised for homeless animals at our annual 5k Race for the Rescues, and millions of views, shares, and comments across our social media platforms.

This is why I have high hopes that I can reach the hearts of my people — because my dog, Dakota, is the one that needs saving this time.

As someone who has dedicated the past three and a half years to animal rescue, I have played a significant role in the rehabilitation and rehoming of several thousand animals. My job consists of leading our media team in the creation and distribution of all media for SNIPSA. We do everything in-house; from photography and videography to website management, social media, and graphic design for our physical materials. I also work adoption events and assist in the daily hustle at SNIPSA’s clinic—caring for our animals that spend days/nights in our care and helping facilitate weekly spay and neuter services.

Through my journey into adulthood and landing my dream job, Dakota has been a constant supporter. She is a registered emotional support animal, helping me navigate life and keep my routine. She provides sunshine on my darkest days and makes the good ones brighter. She has taught me valuable skills that I bring into my job every day. And as a dog with reactivity and a high energy level, Dakota needs me as much as I need her. Our bond is unbreakable.

On September 9th, I caught Dakota going through my trash can, looking for something tasty to crunch on. The next morning, she refused her food and had loose stool. What I thought at the time to be a little tummy bug from something she might have eaten has turned into something much, much bigger.

Today, Dakota is receiving round-the-clock care at South Texas Veterinary Surgery. She is receiving food and medications through a nasal tube and IV fluids. This is exactly one month later.

Dakota’s first trip to the vet was on Sunday, September 14th. Everything came back “clean” and she was given fluids and a prescription of anti-nausea medication and GI food.

The following Tuesday, she was worse. The questions began — did she crack a tooth? Was something wrong with her esophagus? A blockage? A tummy bug, or something worse? Dakota came with me to work that day, and our vets and technicians on staff gave me their thoughts. Believing she had a mild case of gastroenteritis, we started her on a round of antibiotics.

Two weeks later, her sickness persisted. I brought her in for an X-ray at Olmos Park Animal Hospital and outsourced a sonogram. Both results were inconclusive. We started her on steroids, IV fluids, and a cocktail of other medications. A second sonogram a week later. When she didn’t improve, Dakota underwent exploratory surgery on October 7th. She has been in the care of SVTS since.

Today, Dakota still does not have a diagnosis. We are awaiting the results of several biopsies that were sourced from her surgery. More treatment remains if she keeps holding strong.

SNIPSA, namely our director and DVM Shannon Espy, and our technicians, Tami and Kayla, have played a huge role in Dakota’s treatment. We have been working overtime to keep her stable over the past month. There have been several scary nights, and they have remained steadfast in their support.

Sadly, despite this, I don’t have the funds to cover the costs of her treatment. I estimate that I will owe anywhere from 5-10k to date, but nothing can repay what these amazing women have done for my sweet girl.

Please consider donating $10, $20, or more to help me keep fighting for Dakota, and hopefully save her life. Any additional funds will be donated to SNIPSA as a thank you for all they have done for me and for Dakota in her sickness.

Updates on Dakota coming soon. <3