If you know me, you know asking for help isn’t one of my strong suits. But from day one, a 6 pound 8 week old goldendoodle came into my life and broke down every wall I have ever built. 

If you have ever had the opportunity to meet Charlie, you know one look at him can put a smile on your face. He is full of love, joy and came into my life exactly when I needed him most. 

Now, he needs me. Last night after many vet calls, reassuring me he would be fine to wait until a regularly scheduled vet visit the following day, my mommy/nurse gut instinct kept telling me something was wrong. After a trip to a veterinary urgentcare, I was told had I not trusted that gut instinct, I wouldn’t have woken up to my baby boy today. 

Charlie was transferred and admitted to the Ohio State Emergency Veterinary hospital at 2am for further testing and stabilization for assumed shock from Addison’s disease. A condition that if caught in time, can be treated with life long steroid administration, but a full, long life  of cuddling, tail wagging, smiles and love for destroying toys. Over the past two years, Charlie and I have been to the vet numerous times for vague symptoms, assumed to be from other causes, likely having pointed to this very common, but often misdiagnosed condition. 

Having only moved to Columbus two weeks ago, Charlie and I ended up living 6 minutes away from one of the top veterinary schools/hospitals in the country, for a reason I will forever be grateful for. Charlie saved my life the moment I held him in my arms, now it’s my turn to protect him and save his. 

Having recently switched jobs to work in the cardiovascular ICU-heart/lung transplant at OSU, it wasn’t exactly how I wanted to celebrate moving and my first day. That being said, pet hospital bills was also not exactly something I expected to have during this career transition. While Charlie is stabilizing and getting the testing he needs, to give him the best care possible, I am letting go of my pride and stoic nature and asking for help. 1 penny helps, a prayer to whatever you believe in helps, even keeping Charlie in your thoughts, helps. We are appreciative of anything at this time. 

Please help me save the now 50 pound, fluffy ball of love who has made me into who I am today and shown me unconditional love exists. Help me, help him.

With love and gratitude, 

Charlie and the luckiest mom in the world.