Severus is a 1-year-old German Shepherd in SEATTLE, WA, who needs $2,000 for Balloon Valvuloplasty.

Jessie's wanted a dog her entire life. She checked books out from the library dogs. She'd dress her brother up with socks on his ears as a pretend puppy. But due to family and life circumstances, she couldn't have one. Until now. Just before her 30th birthday, we adopted. We had a Harry Potter-themed birthday party and got engaged the same evening. And she named her after her favorite character.

Severus loves to play keep away and tug with her toys. She loves to run zoomies and she's a very good fetcher. She's a little monster who loves monsting and will go get you her glove so she can chew on your hand but she also knows good soft mouth and gentle when you don't have the glove. She's finally old enough to sleep in our bedroom and loves to lie in our spot and take up the entire bed.

Our income only covers our monthly expenses and Severus's regular healthcare. We try to have a little set aside for unforeseen expenses but we don't have the savings to cover such an expensive surgery without financial assistance from grants or a Waggle fundraiser.

Severus was just diagnosed with severe pulmonary stenosis. She had a heart murmur the first time we took her to the vet after adopting her. We saved money to have the necessary ultrasound imaging and consult with a cardiologist who informed us that she requires a surgery called a balloon valvuloplasty to correct this congenital heart defect and without it, she could die of sudden heart failure.

Severus is SO sweet. And kind. She loves cuddles. And she's literally the smartest dog I've ever met. She rings a bell attached to a rope with her nose when she needs to go outside! She knows her toys by name. She's such a good girl. She curls up beside you and sets her paw on your arm to ask for cuddles. She gets SO excited to see her friends and immediately runs up to kiss them when she does.