Please help us save Judy

This is a GoFundme for our sweet sweet girl Judy the Jindo who is very very sick. Judy was diagnosed last January with a rare fungal disease called Cryptococcus. It’s mostly found in cats but can be found in dogs however it’s rare. Judy has been under the care of an internist here in LA and getting bloodwork regularly since her diagnosis. She also has Horner’s syndrome from the fungal disease as well. We were told from the outset this disease is extremely difficult to treat and she could need medication for the rest of her life.

 On December 31st JUDY experienced an episode where she was falling over on her left side and couldn’t stand up which lasted for a few hours but then seemed to subside. We took her to her regular vet who said to keep an eye on her and monitor her. She was walking around regularly and seemed to have no issues. We took her to the park where she ginelrgly engaged with other dogs. Anyone that knows Jindo’s know they don’t just play with anyone.

 About two weeks ago we saw her losing strength in her back left leg. It wasn’t always or consistent but it was enough to make an appointment with a neurologist. He did a consultation with her where he recommended we do 2 MRIs. One on her brain and the other on her spine and back legs. The costs were over $7k but what choice did we have? She is just over 2 years old and is our baby. Since the MRI, this last Tuesday, and bringing her home she has gotten worse. She can’t walk, stand or sit on her own. She was having episodes where she would stiffen her body and throw her neck back. We got the results from the MRI which showed the Cryptococcus has spread to her nervous system, brain, her spine and left front elbow. This is devastating news but again, she’s 2 and our baby.

She is currently in the hospital where they are trying to get the swelling down in her brain and spine. She will be starting a higher dose anti-fungal medication tonight. There are risks ahead. When the fungus dies off it is very toxic if it stays in her system. The doctors will be monitoring her over the next several days.

 This is weird asking for help and very uncomfortable for us but we believe in the good in people, we love our Dove community, dog friends and family, and people that want to help. These donations, of any amount, will allow us to do what we can as her parents to set her up for recovery. We are aware that there is a flip side to this diagnosis but must remain positive for our girl. Judy was born, along with her 10 siblings, in South Korea. She and her siblings were abanonded at month old, during winter, in boxes and placed in a cemetery. They were discovered randomly by a wonderful Korean woman and through her care, they each made their way to temporary fosters and eventually to their forever homes here in Southern California. We have all stayed in touch, through the puppy years, and now our tween years. We have laughed, shared and cried about how grateful we are for these amazingly beautiful creatures. In closing, and as her Korean Foster used to say, JUDY OKAY. Okay We love you JUDY now and forever.