Hi, my name is Susie Lafond. I'm Tilly's mom. Tilly is between 6 and 8 years old. We adopted her as a rescue and she has brought nothing but sweetness to our lives. She is my partner, my best friend. Tilly is a beloved member of our family and while I'd like to say I thought we had planned for everything that can happen and being proactive and doing all the right things, I never once thought I would be in this position.

Two weeks ago in the span of a few hours, my very active, energetic, dog became sluggish, was having trouble standing, threw up, and couldn't get herself up on the couch. It almost appeared she'd been poisoned. By 8 am the next morning, she was still in the same state so got her in to see the vet. After x-rays and bloodwork, they determined that her left kidney was 3xs larger than it should be and showed areas of fluid so she needed an ultrasound and while we got that setup, her vet got started her on a course of antibiotics and pain meds. And after a week she appeared completely recovered though there were still concerns and the possibility of cancer and or the underlying reason for her enlarged kidney. Cancer was considered the main culprit or a possible obstruction or stones in her kidney and an ultrasound was needed to rule those out and any other causes.

Her Ultrasound was Wednesday 2/15 and the biopsies and results showed that her left kidney is basically dead; necrotic and inflamed and there is no possibility of it ever functioning again. It needs to be removed for her to have a full and pain free life. There is no other option for a full recovery. Her care team feels she is an excellent candidate as her health is good otherwise.

The funds raised here will be used for the surgery and follow up care, and time in ICU along with any tests and costs related to Tilly's care. My husband and I are both in the later years of our lives, kids gone, and dealing with our own health issues. I battled breast cancer and won 2 years ago but just today as I write this, what should have been a routine mammogram turned into renewed concern and biopsies were taken. When it rains it pours.

Tilly is my heart. And you have ours. If you want to learn more about me, Tilly, and our family I encourage you to visit me at my feed

Thank you.