Valen is a 2-year-old in CT, who needs $2,000 for Exploratory Surgery on the intestines/Intussusception.

Valen is a 7.5 week old crossbreed that has been a part of our family since she was born. We know both parents, and the breeder is a good friend we have known for years. When she announced her Shepard was pregnant, we knew we wanted a puppy! Once the litter was born, we started visiting several times a week and we really got to know the bold and lovable puppy that would be coming home with us.

When Valen was 7 weeks old, she started struggling. After discussing it with the breeder, we decided the best plan would be to take her out of the large litter and take her home for more specialized care. We slept on the living room floor for almost a week, snuggling, feeding and caring for Valen around the clock. Connor first took some time to even want a puppy, but she quickly became 'his' dog.

Valen was the pick of the litter and everyone who visited the puppies were drawn to her bold, curious attitude and beautiful color. She is always the first to greet new friends and was first to explore outside the puppy pen, even climbing the stairs to howl at the breeders bedroom at night when she was only a few weeks old! She loves to play with our older dog Dale and is gentle with the 18y/o cat

On 3/20 Valen started to not feel well. A quick trip to the ER showed nothing glaringly wrong. All week she continued to lose weight and sleep more. We celebrated every bite of kibble she ate but then she started to refuse all food. Another 2 trips to the vet and an exploratory surgery found her intestines dying. Being so thin and weak made surgery risky but she is a fighter!

Connor and I are getting married in under 2 months. Valen came at the perfect time to symbolize our union in marriage, she even already has a role in the upcoming ceremony! But other pet medical bills and paying for a wedding means our budget is already tight.