We are raising funds to help cover the growing costs of end-of-life care for our dog, Took, including ongoing vet visits, diagnostics, medications, supplements, and the specialized foods it takes to keep her comfortable. Took is in her final stretch, and while we cannot cure what she is facing, we are committed to managing her pain, supporting her appetite, and maintaining her quality of life for as long as she still finds joy in being here.
Fourteen years ago, this sweet little dog was adopted by Alexa’s sister from the Phoenix Humane Society. Based on her teeth and the fact that she had already had puppies while in foster care, she was estimated to be about two years old. Her shelter name was Cherry, later Penny. Twelve years ago, when Alexa’s sister made the difficult decision to rehome her so she could have a fuller life, she came to live with us in Seattle. With that new chapter, Alexa gave her a new name to match her new life: Belladonna Took.
She was Alexa’s first dog, and their bond has shaped all of us. Took has always been social, attentive, and deeply connected to her people. Over the years she became a steady presence in our lives and a source of comfort and routine.
Medically, Took has had complex needs for much of her life. At eight years old she developed high liver values. Later came gallbladder issues, then a heart disease diagnosis earlier this year. In March she began walking with a limp that progressed into significant wobbliness, and her vet suspects vestibular disease. In September her kidney values began to rise, and about a month ago she stopped wanting her regular food.
Because aggressive kidney treatment could push her into heart failure, we are now focused on comfort care. Took is on multiple medications taken several times a day, and we work closely with her vets to adjust care as her needs change. Keeping her eating has required constant trial and error, frequent grocery runs, and flexibility day by day. At this stage, eating something is better than eating nothing, and her vet agrees.
This fundraiser is to help cover the real, ongoing costs of this care: vet visits, medications, supplements, and the food that keeps her engaged and comfortable. It allows us to focus on her well-being without having to make decisions based on financial strain.
As long as Took still enjoys food, naps, short walks, and watching us cook in hopes of a bite, we believe she is not ready to say goodbye. We hope she will tell us when that changes, and that we will understand.
Thank you for reading, for caring, and for supporting Took during this final stretch in whatever way you can.
