Hi everyone, my name is Natalie and I'm reaching out for help for my sweet boy, Kody. After taking him to the vet today, 3/13, he's been diagnosed with heart disease. He's been struggling to breathe for the past week or so, so much to the point where he's not getting much sleep throughout the night. It was very hard to hear about this, as well as to witness his struggle to breathe.

Many of my close friends and family know that over the past few months, I've faced some incredibly hard losses, including the sudden passing of my father on Christmas Day, as well as my childhood dog, Nikki, who lived a long 16 years but unfortunately passed three weeks ago. Kody is my best friend, my sweet boy, and anyone who's been lucky enough to meet him, knows how much of an amazing dog he is. I cannot go through another loss.. I don't want to lose him. I've experienced so much loss these past couple of months, and Kody is the glue that is holding me together. The possibility of losing him to heart failure is terrifying.

I live on my own and pay my bills, with little to no room for savings. I know times are very hard for a lot of people and I never expected to be in a position where I needed to ask for help. I have to take him to a veterinary cardiologist for an echocardiogram and further testing. He needs bloodwork done to ensure his kidneys and liver are strong enough to handle heart medication (Furosemide). He will also need another test done to check for heart worms. His heart is enlarged which is pressing against his trachea and other organs, he has a grade 6 heart murmur, and congestion/fluid in his lungs.

Kody has been by my side for 9 years and anyone who's met him knows how much of an angel he is. He's so smart, affectionate, and the biggest cuddler. He's so adventurous and his love knows no bounds. He's truly my best friend, and it's been mentally taxing to know that he is struggling. After all of the losses I've experienced in such a small amount of time, I can't imagine my life without Kody, and I want to make sure I do everything I can to make sure he gets the care he needs. He deserves a fighting chance.

I unfortunately cannot afford to take him to the cardiologist. Vet bills can be incredibly steep, so any contribution, no matter how small, would mean the world to Kody and me.

Your donation will be going to all of the scans that will take place to get a clear diagnosis as to what is causing the heart disease, as well as the tests that need to be run, and the medication to maintain his heart and lungs. I fully understand how hard financial times are right now, so even if you can't contribute, a simple share will mean just as much.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story. Your kindness and support is appreciated more than words can express. Thank you and God bless.