Meet Maisey, a 10-year-old Australian Shepherd who came into our lives thanks to my 10-month-old Golden Retriever, Koda.

Maisey was our neighbor, and Koda used to try and play with her through the fence, day after day, tail wagging, full of hope. When Maisey’s longtime person and anchor passed away, Koda didn’t hesitate. He welcomed her into our home the moment the opportunity came.

I thought this would be a temporary arrangement, just a few hours while things got figured out. That was three weeks ago.

Since then, something beautiful has happened. They’ve bonded deeply. Maisey’s finding her spark again, and Koda seems to have found a sense of calm and companionship he didn’t know he needed. They’re bringing out the best in each other.

In trying to do the right thing, I stepped into something messier and more lasting than I anticipated. But I have no regrets, just a desire to keep doing right by her.

Since Maisey joined us, I’ve already covered a significant portion of her care: a grooming session to address her severely matted undercoat, a full wellness exam, updated vaccines, blood work, and tumor checks. She’s gotten a clean bill of health on all fronts, except her mouth.

Maisey has severe periodontal disease that’s causing excruciating pain, and her teeth are already beginning to fall out. This condition poses a serious risk of abscesses and infection if left untreated. The wonderful team at Ash Creek Animal Clinic has quoted us $1,500 to $2,000 for the dental surgery she needs to stay healthy and thrive.

And the thing is… Koda doesn’t pay the bills.

While he’s given her play, purpose, and comfort, we’re inviting you to join this amazing, sometimes messy, and often chaotic “younger brother meets older sister” story. If you’re able to pitch in, even a little, it would make a world of difference for this sweet senior girl and her new little brother.

We’re confident that once her dental surgery is behind her, she’ll be even more active and ready to meet Koda where he’s at.

Thank you for helping give Maisey the safe, loving home she so clearly deserves.