Macie is a two-year-old Miniature Schnauzer in Georgetown, KY, who needs $2,000 for liver shunt surgery.

Macie's life is on the line, and she needs your help!

In October and December 2021, Macie had to have two emergency surgeries for bladder stones. This led her veterinarian to suspect she needed to see a specialist for a liver shunt. Dr. Karl Maritato at MedVet of Cincinnati performed an ultrasound and confirmed the suspected diagnosis. Now Macie needs extensive surgery for a portosystemic shunt (PSS) before the end of March.

Macie's human parents, Anthony and Melissa J., are crushed because they can't afford the operation that will save their dog's life.

"Macie is a daily companion for my husband who is disabled and home during the day," Melissa tells Waggle. "Anthony continues to be treated by the Mayo Clinic while I teach and sell crafts for extra income. But with Macie having two surgeries less than two months ago, it is creating a hardship to come up with the total amount needed for this life-saving surgery."

This sweet dog is the center of the couple's world. "Macie was a gift from my husband after my other two schnauzers died three weeks apart. She was a cute little ball of fur that mended my heart immediately. Macie filled that void I couldn't and still cannot spend enough time with her," Melissa says.

She brightens their day. "Macie makes me smile after teaching all day when I just need a break," Melissa says. "Every day when I get home, she immediately begins to growl and bark, so I will pick her up and hold her. Macie and I take walks daily, and she loves to chase the ball. My students at school always want to know what Macie May did last night and if I have any funny pictures of her."

And she is extra special to Anthony. "They do chores around the house, and when possible, they go fishing together," Melissa adds. "Macie loves to see the fish come into the boat and wants to lick them. She ends each day on my lap watching TV in the evening and sleeps in her donut beside my bed."

Please help Macie get a new "leash" on life!