Gucci Mechelle is an 11-year-old Fox Terrier mix in Medina, OH, who needs $1,900 for kidney failure.

My little girl came to me with her sister, Prada Jayne, by way of my best friend, after Gucci was involved in a traumatic accident (at around 12 weeks old). I have had them every since - so that equates to slightly over 10.5 years (although I have ALWAYS considered them mine...from the jump!). Nearly 3 years ago Prada fell over in the morning and went into grand mal seizures. It was then, and over the last 2.5 years, when I learned about the expense level of ER bills (and still knew nothing in-depth about pet insurance).

Let's fast forward to two days ago. Gucci stopped eating about 1.5 weeks ago. Every now and again she'd take a bite, or I could get her to eat hamburger or shaved turkey, but we're talking barely anything was going into her. And when she did actually take food in, she was throwing it up soon after. Her doctor slipped her into the schedule this past Saturday, and yesterday I left work in tears, as I was told she is in renal failure and needed to get to the ER. Those dreaded two letters: E.R.

I pushed them aside as I drove my 50+ minute drive home to pack her up and get her the help she clearly needs.

We are not quite yet at 24-hours, and I am sitting here with massive anxiety, awaiting a call from the specialist, who started all of her necessary testing this morning. I have been warned that the outcome isn't expected to be good, as the levels they did see from her vet appeared to be extremely high.

And then I was punched in the throat with this: Daily blood draws, urinalysis tests, IV fluids, IV medications, x-rays, ultra-sounds, daily boarding and anything else we can estimate at this time will fall between the amounts of $6,000-8,000.

I immediately started bawling...and then I cried harder when I realized I was bawling for the wrong reason.

I love my babies with every piece of my being. Every day I know that I get to go home to them, and every day they are waiting for me with tails (and nubs) wagging, and smiles on their beautiful faces. It breaks my heart to think I can't have them with me forever...and now I am just trying my best to have her receive the best care possible and they can provide me a clearer picture.

I have told them that they are not authorized to perform anything without speaking to me first. I want to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that all tests are needed prior to them performing them. I am hoping I can somewhat gain control of the costs by doing this. I have also deposited $1,500.

I don't ask for anything except prayers and happy thoughts for my little angel.

And I thank you!!
Lindsay