My name is Joana Remeikiene, and I am asking for help for a young woman named Emily Pilkington and her beloved four-year-old French Bulldog, Athena.
Emily recently escaped an abusive relationship. She and Athena are currently living in their car in Antioch, California, while Emily searches for safe, pet-friendly housing and works to rebuild her life.
In the middle of this already difficult situation, Athena suddenly developed a painful flare-up of cervical intervertebral disc disease, commonly known as IVDD. Emily rushed her to an emergency veterinarian and managed to secure care, medication, and help with the initial expenses. Since then, she has devoted herself completely to keeping Athena safe and comfortable through episodes of painful muscle spasms.
I first learned about Emily when I saw her asking for advice in a Facebook support group for dogs with IVDD. Even while facing homelessness and tremendous uncertainty, her greatest concern was Athena. She wanted to know how to create a comfortable resting area, manage Athena’s painful moments, and give her the best possible chance to heal.
I have helped arrange a year of tele-veterinary access for them. During Athena’s first appointment, the veterinarian observed her walking and moving, adjusted her medications, and sent the necessary prescriptions to a local pharmacy. With available discounts, Emily was able to obtain the medication Athena needs.
I have also sent a crate, supportive padding, a mattress, and supplements. Thankfully, Athena can still walk on all four legs, eat, drink, and go to the bathroom. At this time, we are hopeful that she can recover through strict rest, veterinary care, medication, and supportive therapies without needing surgery.
However, Emily and Athena still urgently need help. Because they live in a car, Emily sometimes has to run it for air conditioning during the California heat, charge her phone, and keep Athena comfortable. Her limited funds must cover food, fuel, and other basic necessities. She was looking for work when Athena’s flare-up began, but she cannot safely leave Athena alone while she is recovering.
We are seeking financial or in-kind donations to help provide:
- Food, water, fuel, and other daily essentials
- A veterinarian-approved red-light therapy wrap
- A PEMF mat, if recommended as appropriate for Athena
- Continued veterinary care and recovery supplies
- Safe, temporary, pet-friendly housing
- A trustworthy daytime foster arrangement so Emily can pursue employment
- Long-term housing that will allow Emily to keep Athena by her side
I am reaching out to nonprofits, rescue organizations, housing programs, and compassionate individuals in the hope of finding every possible source of support.
Emily has already endured so much, yet she continues to give everything she has to protect and care for Athena. Athena is more than her dog—she is her family, her companion, and a source of comfort during an extraordinarily difficult chapter of her life.
Any donation, donated item, housing lead, foster offer, or helpful connection could make a meaningful difference. If you are unable to contribute financially, sharing their story may help it reach someone who can.
Thank you for taking the time to read about Emily and Athena. Your kindness could help keep them safe, support Athena’s recovery, and give them both a chance to begin again.
