Hello everyone. This is Kiko, my canine companion. He’s 10 years old and a very affectionate dog (he’s just like a baby).

These last few months have been very difficult; Kiko was diagnosed with heart failure (stage C). However, that wasn’t what took us to the vet. Kiko stopped eating, lost a lot of weight, was very listless and had constant, bloody diarrhoea. We’ve been to the vet many times (almost every other day), he’s had all the tests done, there have been many failed attempts at medication, and we still have no diagnosis.

At the moment he’s been doing better but has had relapses (just a week ago we had to take him to the vet as an emergency).

All of this has come at a very difficult time in my life (I’m Kiko’s carer); I’m on sick leave due to severe depression with previous attempts to take my own life, and I’ve been going through a lot of ups and downs.

Being on sick leave, with bills to pay, alone with Kiko, and in debt because my former employer owes me months’ wages and I’ve had to take out loans.

I don’t have enough money to cover my expenses, both my own and Kiko’s vet bills.

The vet who’s been looking after him has been brilliant, and so far I haven’t paid a thing, but I have to, and the bill’s already mounting up and I simply can’t afford it.

Kiko has never wanted for anything; he’s always had the very best of everything, but right now I just can’t manage it.

I’m appealing to everyone to help me – even if it’s just €1 – I’ll be eternally grateful.

The money will go towards paying the vet’s bills first and foremost, and then to help me cover my own expenses.

And for anyone who can help with his food – he needs a specific diet, which is expensive.

Once I’ve recovered and gone back to work, I’ll help people in difficult situations like the one I’m in right now.

For anyone who has any doubts or wants to see the evidence, I’ll show you everything: my medical certificates and reports, as well as Kiko’s, and the amounts I owe.

I’ve always been very embarrassed to ask for help, but I simply can’t go on like this any longer.

Thank you on behalf of myself and Kiko!

All the best to you all.