If you know me, you definitely know my dog, Sadie. Many people have had the pleasure of loving her in person and enjoying some of her fluffy white hair on their clothing. Plenty of people have also been able to love her from afar just by witnessing all of her quirkiness and glory via any and every social media platform. To call her a dog is honestly a disservice because she's much much more than that to many people. And to me, well, she's hands down my best pal. On Sunday Sadie was rushed to NVS to find out she had a 7-8 cm mass on her spleen rupture. The few days prior were spent visiting the vet with some ups and downs of an upset stomach with no real answer other than maybe she had eaten something bad. She was finally beginning to feel a bit better but then I noticed the area around her eyes swelling and knew something was not right. Insert a visit to Nashville Vet Specialists and horrible news I was in NO WAY prepared for. After x rays and an ultrasound proved that she didn't have any more masses internally (on her heart and lungs) we were given the go ahead to rush her into emergency surgery to fix the bleed, remove the mass, and her spleen.  

As I am writing this, Sadie is in what will be a 1-2 hour, somewhat risky surgery that will be followed by 2 nights at the hospital with an EKG and many other things being monitored post op. She will be brought home on Tuesday for about 2 weeks of rest with me right by her side. In about a weeks time we will know whether or not that mass is the dreaded c word and in the 66% chance that it is we will go from there to make sure she lives the most comfortable life possible which could even mean several more months of adventures, w-a-l-k-s, and treats. Sadie and I (and all of you) could have many more years together if it is benign, so prayers for that to be the outcome.

As you can imagine just by what I've detailed above, this surgery, and what is truly a life saving effort does not come cheap. With $3250 already paid, we're looking at about $6700 by the time I pick her up on Tuesday. 

My gut instinct to create a GoFundMe was it feels weird to ask for help financially but then I realized when people ask for help, it means they need it and right now, Sadie and I could sure use the help. A global pandemic has, of course, financially affected my career in the travel industry which is solely profitable only when people are able to travel. I'm sure many many people reading this have been hurting as well so please know that anything helps - even if it's just a word of encouragement, or your thoughts and prayers. 

No donation, no matter the amount, will go unnoticed, and know that I love to write hand written notes and I'm a big fan of making friendship bracelets to show my thankfulness. 

To all of those who have loved Sadie and looked after her during my travels - I know this is hard news for many to hear and I have the positive outlook that we've all got some more time together. 

Should it be easier to send a direct donation, please feel free to send them via Venmo: @anna-gilbert-1

I know that I am nothing without my support system and I have already begun to feel overwhelmed with love. Thank you.

Love,
Anna & Sadie Girl