Hello Everyone,

My name is Starr Wiggins I am the proud dog mommy of my 5 month-old Junie. My family and I were lucky enough to adopt Junie September 16th from a rescue organization. Junie is the most loving, energetic, and cuddly puppy you could ever meet. She warms the hearts of everyone she comes in contact with. Unfortunately on Nov. 12 Junie started to vomit and refuse food, as I noticed this change in behavior I took her to multiple doctors. I was told a variety of things to do that could possibly help her. When her symptoms simply wouldn't subside I rushed her to Rochesters Animal hospital on November 14th. The diagnosis this animal hospital gave me was for a potential blockage surgery due to Junie consuming two small pebbles. But shortly after leaving the hospital where Junie was being hospitalized overnight the doctor called me around 11:30pm and explained to me that after reviewing the lab results certain levels affecting her kidneys and liver were extremely concerning. I was strongly advised to rush her to Orchard Park medical center in Buffalo. When arriving at Orchard Park the doctors evaluated Junie and ran some more test. We were then notified that Junie had tested positive for Leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection in the blood and urine that can infect animals and humans. This infection damages the kidneys and liver and can potentially stop the function of the organs. The infection starts within an infected rodent or wildlife animal and that animal urinating on anything as simple as grass or a puddle. If a dog or human then comes in contact with the infected rodents urine (such as if Junie ate grass that was urinated on or drank out of a puddle that was urinated in) there is a chance of also being infected. Unfortunately because Junie is so young she was not old enough to receive all her vaccines including the Leptospirosis vaccine. After being diagnosed with leptospirosis Junie was immediately treated with antibiotics and other treatment at Orchard Park. After two days of being hospitalized at Orchard Park the doctors informed me of a possible treatment of dialysis at Cornell University Animal Hospital. They explained that this would be Junie's best chance at a successful recovery and healthy life. Junie is currently being treated at Cornell University with amazing doctors and is showing great progress. As many can imagine the vet bills are overwhelming. If you are able to donate I am extremely appreciative and TRULY cannot thank you enough. For those who are not able to donate I ask that you pray for Junie and continue to give her positive thoughts. For anyone reading this I want to ask that you cherish your fur babies everyday and I hope I was able to bring awareness to this terrifying disease.