Hi, my name is Dima, and I’m reaching out for help during one of the hardest moments of my life.
I moved to the U.S. from Uk-raine with my mom three ye
ars ago. Around that time, we welcomed Mickey — my first-ever dog — into our lives. He’s 3 and a half years old now. And he’s not just a pet. He’s my best friend, my emotional support, and truly family.
Growing up in a village surrounded by forests, I always dreamed of having a dog that looked like a wolf — someone I could hug like a brother if I had one, and feel his warmth and loyalty. That dream came true when we met Mickey.
We do everything together – long walks, summer beach trips, visits to dog parks. He always seems to know when someone is sad or struggling. When I was going through depression after losing close family to the w-a-r in Ukra-ine – both of my uncles were killed last year – Mickey was the one who helped me a lot through it. He means the world to me. I can’t imagine losing him too.
Like many signs at vet clinics say:
“Be the person your dog thinks you are.”
They see you at your best — even on your worst days — looking up at you like you’re their whole world.
Mickey looked at me that way when he was being taken away on a stretcher. Even though his eyes were full of pain, I knew he still trusted me to help him. And I promised myself I would.
Mickey recently had a medical emergency — a foreign object caused a blockage in his small intestine. We tried fluids and medication, hoping to avoid surgery, but his condition became urgent. The vet told us we couldn’t wait any longer.
He’s now undergoing life-saving surgery.
I’m a full-time student with no pet insurance. The cost of everything — emergency care, x-rays, hospital stay, surgery — has added up to a number my family cannot afford. We had to take out CareCredit to cover it, but the monthly payments are more than we can manage.
I’ve always believed in showing up when someone’s in need.
Back in Ukra-ine, I helped injured stray dogs who had been hit by cars. And here in the U.S., while in high school, I organized a fundraiser selling t-shirts and cookies to support Ukra-inian orphans.
So I know what it means when people come together to help.
That’s why I’m asking now — hoping kind people will stand with us the same way.
If you can help in any way, it would mean the world to me.
Any amount makes a difference, and even sharing this post can help a lot!
Thank you for helping my best friend,
— Dima & Mickey
