This fundraiser is about our dogs and our commitment to care for them for as long as they need us.

Maggie, our 9-year-old Boston terrier, has been through more than most dogs ever should. She previously battled skin cancer, and over time both of her eyes had to be surgically removed due to severe medical complications. The surgeries were lifesaving and totaled $8,000, all of which had to be put on high-interest credit cards at the time. Maggie is now fully blind, but still loving, trusting, and happy to be here. We are committed to keeping her safe, comfortable, and cared for.

Yuri, our 13-year-old collie rescue, is slowing down as she ages. Her hips are failing, and she now needs a necessary dental procedure estimated at $4,000. This care is essential to prevent pain, infection, and further health issues so she can remain comfortable in her senior years.

We also have Rooster, our Dalmatian, who requires a strict, specialized diet to prevent kidney stones. This food is significantly more expensive than standard dog food, but it is critical to his long-term health and quality of life.

In addition to our own dogs, we financially support three dogs belonging to our niece: Dottie, Indy, and Sheisty. One was recently spayed and vaccinated, and the other two still need the same care. We help cover these costs because those dogs deserve proper medical care and stability.

We take animal care seriously. These are not luxuries to us. They are lives we have committed to.

What makes this moment especially hard is that all of this is happening while we are already stretched thin. We run a small, community-oriented grocery store in a food desert that serves local residents, service workers, and industry workers. While the business is functioning and serving its purpose, starting it required personal financial risk that we are still carrying. At the same time, we have faced other major expenses, including supporting family through homelessness and a vehicle repair that cost over $6,000.

All of these responsibilities collided at once, and we have reached a point where we simply cannot absorb any more without help.

Every dollar raised will go toward:

• Paying down veterinary debt from Maggie’s eye surgeries
• Covering Yuri’s upcoming dental care
• Supporting ongoing medical and dietary needs for Rooster
• Helping offset spay, vaccination, and veterinary costs for Dottie, Indy, and Sheisty

Asking for help is not easy. We do everything we can to take responsibility for the lives in our care. Right now, we are asking for support so we can keep doing exactly that.

If you are able to help, thank you. If you are not, sharing this or taking the time to read it still means more than we can say.

These dogs depend on us, and we are doing everything we can to show up for them.