Our Little Dog Attila, a Heartbeat at Our Feet

Hi there! My name is Attila. I came to America with my Ukrainian Mom before the war started.

After 4 years of being in a relationship, my Mom and my American Dad decided it was time to settle down. My Dad had always been nice to me whenever he came to visit Ukraine, but it was after I lived with them that I saw how much he really loves me! Most nights, when I am restless, he would let me sleep on his chest, and he was always taking me out for walks!

I was diagnosed with Pancreatitis and had to be on a special prescription diet since I was young.

About a year ago, I started getting weaker and was not as lively as I used to be. Then I had a bad episode where I did not eat for almost 6 days and started losing my eyesight and the doctor performed all kinds of test and after all the expenses which totaled to almost $4000, they were still unable to diagnose what was wrong!

It was only after I was brought home that I vomited a lot and whatever it was that made me sick came out and I slowly regained my strength, although I was never as lively as I was before. I started eating and my eyes started to heal. However, I was always tired, could not climb the stairs and my dad had to carry me every time we came out even for a short walk!

Then about 2 weeks ago, I stopped eating completely and couldn't even drink anymore. My Mom and Dad, sensing that something was wrong, rushed me to the ER. There it was discovered that my Pancreatitis has led to me to having Diabetes, among other problems like Irritable Bowel Syndrome and an advance stage of Urinary Tract Infection! My glucose was at 400 and there are 3 different strains of bacteria attacking my Urinary Tract! From 15 pounds, I was now down to just 7 pounds, having lost about half my normal body weight. The ER said I was at death’s door and prognosis was not good... The doctor told us that I had a 25% chance to survive. I was going to give up because I did not want my Mom and Dad to spend more than what they already had if I was just going to die anyways. But my Dad was adamant that he had to do something and talked to my Grandmama (his Mom). She was very kind and told my dad she was going to help all she can, and I was taken to a bigger ER at Dove Lewis Pet Hospital.

For the first time, this was where I really felt both doctors and staff tried their best to keep me alive! I was on IV to keep my glucose down, given antibiotics and Insulin and was monitored the whole night!

By morning, I felt different, could open my eyes a bit and move my head a little. Dr. Marshall was a wonderful doctor and for 3 days she nursed me back little by little. My Mom and Dad came to visit every day morning and evening and I finally came home after 3 days. I am still recovering but will be on Insulin for the rest of my life! I also must be closely monitored with Glucose Curve tests and all the other internal organ tests if I am to continue to survive.

I am asking for help because my Dad’s credit card was maxed out and our bills since the first episode until now have totaled to more than $10,000 already. Although my Grandmama and my step Grandpapa are both retired but kind enough to help, I very much need your help even a little bit so my Mom and Dad can pay off our debts because of me. I know that they are still facing more expenses because of my Insulin for life, my prescription food and the other blood and urine tests that will be done to monitor me. The funds will go a long way to paying for my treatment.

I will forever be grateful to everyone for your kind heart no matter how much you choose to donate and I pray that God will bless you always!

Sincerely, Attila