Sassafras (Sassy) Mae is a 12-year-old Bichon Frise in Norton Shores, MI, who needs $278 for Diagnosis and Testing

My husband and I first began fostering Sassy last October, 2021, when her owner entered the hospital for critical care. The plan was for Sassy to join her later at a nursing home. Unfortunately Sassy's owner passed and nobody in her family was able to take her. We had already bonded with her so we were beyond happy to accept Sassy into our family permanently. She has been such a blessing to us.

Sassy, when feeling well, is very lively and loves to play. She likes to go for walks in our neighborhood. She likes to sleep near my head on a pillow each night and on the couch for day naps. She follows me everywhere and has separation anxiety when I have to leave for doctor's appointments or other needs. She is very communicative when she wants or needs something, by coming to me or by whining

I am a paraplegic, and use a wheelchair for 100% of my mobility. Sassy, from day one has done awesome walking beside me. My wheelchair has never been a hinderance for us bonding. I empathize with her having lost her owner and all that is familiar to her, as I lost my ability to walk and my father at a young age. There is something between us that clicked right away. She is my little guardian angel

Due to our financial situation we have not been able to afford a vet visit/testing to find out what is wrong with Sassy. She started acting lethargic, andhad a couple dizzy spells. I started only feeding her plain beef and small amounts of beef liver each day. Since then she has not had a dizzy spell, but continues to be lethargic, have black stools, and has started trying to eat dirt.

My husband's job ended, the owner sold the business. I recently have had more health issues. Things have been very tight. Sassy brings us so much joy, love and calmness. I hope if possible to repay her so she can live her best life for however long she might have.