Isla has been by my side for eight years, serving as my guide dog for seven of those years. She’s has not just been my eyes—she’s been my best friend, my protector, and the one who has saved my life in more ways than I can count. She also serves in alerting to other chronic illnesses that I have been diagnosed with, including alerting to my heart rate changes, panic attacks and more. From the moment we met, I knew we were the perfect match and seeing her in pain and struggling with such significant issues is incredibly hard to bear.

Recently, Isla stopped eating, became lethargic, and started showing significant pain in her abdomen. We have had multiple vet visits in the last two weeks, (her 5th visit in 8 days was a visit and overnight admission to the Hope Advanced Animal Hospital in Vienna). After several outpatient visits, it was clear she needed a higher level of care. As soon as the doctor at the emergency vet examined her, she immediately suggested that Isla stay for 24-hour observation for tests and treatments, ones that go beyond what outpatient care was able to provide. As her person, I want to keep doing everything possible to help her heal and get back to the happy, loving dog she’s always been.

After the overnight stay in the hospital, they diagnosed Isla with Colitis with suspected IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) and delayed gastroenteritis/gastritis. An official IBD diagnosis would have to be performed by a GI endoscopy, which is the next step in treatment if she worsens, or does not improve from the current treatment.

I am extremely grateful to anyone who is able to help and to all who are able to support us on this emotional journey. Your support will go directly toward the cost of Isla’s hospital stay, medical tests/treatments, and anything else she may need to recover per treatment instructions. Thank you for considering helping Isla and me during this difficult time. Your kindness means the world to us.