Hi, my name is Sandra and I'm trying to save my dog Kiwi. She is a disabled senior pug, 13,5 years old. She is blind, deaf and both of her front legs are crooked so she has trouble walking. She was born disabled at a puppy farm and I saved her from being euthanized when she was just 6 weeks old.

She has lived a beautiful life with me in Italy and also Norway, but has suffered throughout her life with different struggles. Six years ago I discovered she had ovarian cancer, but after surgeries and treatment she got cancer free. She had a french bulldog-sister which unfortunately passed away at 11,5 years old in 2023. We got used to the new daily life without our beloved frenchie, but then unfortunately 1 year ago Kiwi had to be hospitalized for acute pneumonia and had to be in the ICU for 3 days. Luckily she responded well to the antibiotics, but during the diagnosis the vet discovered she had cysts in her stomach, but due to her age and overall health, it was not responsible to do invasive tests and biopsies on the cysts and therefore it was kept under control with frequent ultrasounds and check-ups instead. The specialists meant that because the cysts were still reasonably small, Kiwi was not in discomfort and not yet urgent. Afterwards I was basically just waiting for the cysts to grow larger to the point that I would hae to say goodbye and enough and euthanize Kiwi. During this waiting-time I started a diet for Kiwi, cooking specialized homeprepped meals in hope to ease her discomfort and to make sure she had the most nutritional diet.

After months of being extremely worried and preparing mentally to lose Kiwi, during a check-up on the size of the cysts, I was informed that they were slowly disappearing. The cysts were masses formed by inflammation, which through the correct treatment and diet disappeared. This was such great news and a big relief. Finally I saw some hope for my little Kiwi. But at the same time I also saw Kiwi deteriorating in other ways; she slowly lost her vision and hearing and I had to get used to these new disabilities.

Two weeks ago I discovered that Kiwi's eyes were extremely dry and we went back to her vet and she was prescribed artificial tears. After only one week she had to be sent to an eyespecialist due to a swelling on her right eye and I was informed that most likely the only way to save Kiwi is to have the eye surgically removed. She is now on antibiotics and cortisone and four different eyedrops. After 1 week of these medicines she has not got any better, and her eyes continue to sell to the point that she can no longer close it. So now I it is leaning towards surgery. This will cost approximately 1900 euros, equivalent to 2200 dollars. With all the medicine, check-ups, ultrasounds, MRIs, anesthetics, specialist visits and all the medical costs will be at a total of 3900 euros or 4500 dollars.

I am single and live by myself in Rome, Italy and right now I am having trouble making ends meet with all the medical costs. I am just trying to save my baby. She is my everything and I am willing to do what it takes to save her, but I need help to be able to pay for her surgeries. Any donation helps, even if only 1 dollar. I am grateful no matter the contribution. I appreciate that you have taken the time to read about my dear little Kiwi.