Please help me help my best friend.

Those who know me personally know how much I adore my dog, Willow.

On Friday, June 13, Willow was checked into urgent care due to concerns about excessive thirst, increased urination, and a diminished appetite. What I expected to be a fairly routine appointment that would end in us getting a simple prescription for antibiotics and going on our way quickly escalated into something entirely more serious when the doctor noticed slight jaundice in Willow’s eyes and reviewed her bloodwork results.

“Her liver levels are literally off the chart. As in, so high, the machine can’t read them. You need to get her to the ER for an ultrasound ASAP.”

Soon, we were on our way to an ER an hour away, for what has continued to be one of the most stressful and confusing weekends of both of our lives.

The good news: Willow’s ultrasound came back clear.

The bad news: after 48 hours in the ER and multiple tests, we still aren’t quite sure what has caused Willow’s bilirubin and liver levels to skyrocket. As of now, the working theories are leptospirosis or a severe bacterial infection.

Unfortunately, despite being hooked to IV fluids and receiving an array of medicinal cocktails all weekend, Willow’s health has not improved much overall. She’s home now and clearly relieved to be out of the hospital, but is very jaundiced and is still excessively thirsty. Despite this, I am hopeful that with more antibiotics and a lot of bed rest that we will start to see some improvement.

All that said, this emergency has come at a less than ideal time.

Many of you know that in March, I was laid off due to DOGE cuts to government spending. Since then, I’ve burned through most of my savings trying to stay afloat. Although I recently started a new job, I won’t get my first full paycheck until the beginning of July. Even then, I’ll be looking at playing catch up on several bills I’ve needed to put off. As they say, when it rains, it pours.

I know this is a huge ask and I do not ask it lightly. But I am, admittedly, desperate.

Not only is Willow my best friend; she’s also my service dog. Although she’s stable for now, I am expecting even more expenses for her soon as we explore long term care via an internal medicine specialist.

Even if all you have to donate is only a few bucks, it’s more than what I have to put toward her care in this moment.

I so very much appreciate everyone for all their support, and sincerely hope to have better news soon.