It all started with our beloved dog, Cannoli.

One day, out of nowhere, Cannoli fell seriously ill. She was diagnosed with pyometra, a life-threatening infection of the uterus that can affect unspayed female dogs. Pyometra develops quickly and, without immediate surgery, it can be fatal. We were given no choice—Cannoli needed emergency surgery that very same day to survive.

The cost? Nearly $5,000.

We didn’t have that kind of money. Like so many pet owners, we were left with an impossible choice: save our dog’s life and risk going into debt, or do nothing and lose her. We put the surgery on a credit card because, to us, Cannoli was family, and we couldn’t let her go.

After that day, a painful reality set in:

• What happens to families who can’t afford emergency care?

• How many pets lose their lives because their owners don’t have the resources to save them?

• What happens when families lose a pet and can’t even afford a proper cremation or memorial?

The answers broke our hearts. Many people are forced to make decisions no pet owner should have to face. Whether it’s going into debt to save their pet, or being unable to give their beloved companion a dignified farewell, the financial burden can be overwhelming.

That’s why we created the Animal Lifeline Network.

We are here to provide hope. Hope for pets in need of life-saving treatments. Hope for families struggling to give their pet a proper farewell. And hope that no one else has to face the devastating choices we did.