I’m reaching out because my sweet Mattie has been going through something I never could have expected.

Over the past few days, she’s been at MedVet after initially showing signs of what they thought was a simple soft tissue injury. She wasn’t acting like her usual happy, playful self; no running around, no playing with her sister Mabel. During her first visit, the doctors noted back and abdominal pain and believed she may have injured her back during play. She was sent home on medications and strict rest, but unfortunately, she didn’t improve.

Mattie became increasingly lethargic, stopped eating and drinking, and wasn’t even able to urinate. Mattie was brought back to MedVet, where the veterinarian felt something more serious was going on, especially for such a young dog. A neurologist was consulted, and they identified significant neck pain, raising concerns for meningitis.

An MRI and spinal tap confirmed the diagnosis, Mattie has meningitis. Currently waiting on additional lab work and blood cultures to determine the exact cause to be able to treat it more effectively. Mattie is on seven different medications around the clock consisting of pain, antibiotics, and anti fungal.

I was completely blindsided. Mattie just turned one in March, and I had no idea something like this could happen so suddenly.

What makes this even harder is that almost exactly a year ago, on April 26th, I lost my beloved Millie to cancer. Mabel has already gone through the heartbreak of losing one sister, and it’s been incredibly emotional watching her now as Mattie fights through this. Mattie has helped both Mabel and I mend our broken hearts from loosing Millie and we can’t loose another.

The financial burden from Millie’s cancer was already significant, and now with Mattie’s emergency care and ongoing treatment, I’m facing expenses that I simply wasn’t prepared for.

I don’t typically ask for help like this, but right now, I truly need it. If you’re able to support Mattie’s care in any way, whether through donating or simply sharing, I would be incredibly grateful.

Thank you for keeping Mattie in your thoughts and for any support you can give during this difficult time. ❤️