There are some letters I wish I never had to write.

Many of you will remember the appeal we shared for Vera earlier this year.

At the time, we told you that the needs at Vera Vita were growing faster than Vera could manage alone. The veterinary costs were mounting. The food bills never stopped. More animals kept arriving at her gate.

Yet despite the generosity of those who gave, that appeal raised only around a third of the amount needed.

Vera carried on regardless.

Because that’s who she is.

When Maja became ill, Vera did what she has always done. She fought.

She sought veterinary advice. She followed the recommended therapy. She rushed Maja back to the clinic when her condition worsened. She agreed to emergency surgery because giving up was never an option.

But the news that followed shattered her heart.

Maja’s stomach had been overtaken by an enormous tumour. Nothing more could be done.

Maja never woke up.

We cannot help but wonder whether reaching our goal back in January might have changed the course of events. Perhaps earlier diagnostics could have provided answers sooner. Perhaps they would not have. The truth is that none of us will ever know.

What we do know is this:

Vera is facing another crisis.

Just days after losing Maja, one of her beloved dogs, Samson, began passing blood in his stool despite ongoing treatment. Later, he started bleeding spontaneously.

The veterinary clinic has recommended urgent blood tests, biochemistry and an ultrasound. But Vera’s usual veterinarian is away, transport has become another obstacle, and once again she finds herself trying to navigate an emergency while carrying the emotional and financial burden of the last one.

The difference is that Samson is still here.

There is still time to help.

There is still a chance to give Vera the resources she needs to pursue answers, begin treatment, and fight for another life.

We could not save Maja.

But perhaps, together, we can save Samson.

Your gift of $35 can help offset essential veterinary costs incurred while fighting for dogs like Maja and Samson.

A donation of $50 can help replenish emergency medical supplies so Vera can respond when the next crisis arrives.

A gift of $100 or more can provide vital support toward outstanding veterinary expenses and ensure Vera can continue rescuing animals who still have a chance.

Maja’s story did not end the way anyone hoped.

But perhaps her legacy can become something meaningful.

A reminder that every life matters.

That trying matters.

That showing up matters.

And that the people who refuse to abandon animals—even when their own hearts are breaking—deserve not to carry that burden alone.

From all of us at Animals First Aid, and from Vera herself, thank you for standing beside rescuers through both triumph and tragedy.

P.S. We could not save Maja. But Samson is still here. Vera’s last appeal reached only about a third of its goal, and another emergency has already arrived at her door. Please send a gift of $35 or more today and help Vera fight for Samson while there is still time.