Help Jackson Walk Again
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On July 15, 2014, our world came to screeching halt when we learned that Jackson, our dachshund and our beloved, sweet, handsome little man, is suffering from what is likely a herniated disc in his spinal column. Because of this, he is currently unable to control his back legs and, therefore, unable to walk. We rushed him to a veterinary neurologist today who confirmed our worst nightmare: Jackson needs spinal surgery if he’s ever to walk again.
Our first step is to get an MRI to determine: 1) where is the herniation; 2) is surgery likely to be successful, or does the location of the herniation make surgical recovery unfavorable.
We will never know what caused it; Jackson has suffered no injury or trauma that we know of, but being a dachshund, he is genetically predisposed to disc/back problems. The veterinary neurologist believes, based on presentation of symptoms and current pain response in his rear legs, that there is a good chance Jackson will walk again, but we must act quickly while he still has some feeling in his legs.
We are beyond devastated. Jackson is four years old and the happiest, healthiest dog you will ever see. He was surrendered to Louisville Metro Animal Services as a stray in July 2010 when he was just a few months old, and he joined our family when we adopted him from LMAS on July 25th, 2010. His four-year adoption anniversary is barely a week away. We can't imagine life without our sweet, funny, happy little guy, but we face a difficult decision in the coming days.
The MRI alone will cost $1950, and the surgery is estimated at $4500. This doesn't include the nearly $400 we paid just to sit with the neurologist today to discuss options, or the cost of continued care and medication he may need after the surgery. The cost of the MRI is more than we can truly afford, and the added cost of the surgery will be extremely difficult for us, if it's doable at all.
If you know me, you know that my dogs are my world and, by extension, you probably also know Jackson, and you know what a happy, precious little soul he is. He loves his sisters Rosie and Daisy, and he adores every person who'll let him lick their face. He is always full of energy; he loves to chase squirrels, loves to eat noms, always barks at other animals on TV (even the cartoon ones), and Nylabones are his favorite toy. This world will truly not be the same without him.
If you're able to contribute anything at all towards his care, we will be forever indebted to your kindness and generosity. If you aren’t able to contribute financially, please consider sharing this with others who might, and also please send a prayer, positive energy, or wish (or whatever suits your fancy) into the universe for Jackson and for our little dachshund family. He means the world to us. And we can’t thank you enough.
Video (instagram link)
Our first step is to get an MRI to determine: 1) where is the herniation; 2) is surgery likely to be successful, or does the location of the herniation make surgical recovery unfavorable.
We will never know what caused it; Jackson has suffered no injury or trauma that we know of, but being a dachshund, he is genetically predisposed to disc/back problems. The veterinary neurologist believes, based on presentation of symptoms and current pain response in his rear legs, that there is a good chance Jackson will walk again, but we must act quickly while he still has some feeling in his legs.
We are beyond devastated. Jackson is four years old and the happiest, healthiest dog you will ever see. He was surrendered to Louisville Metro Animal Services as a stray in July 2010 when he was just a few months old, and he joined our family when we adopted him from LMAS on July 25th, 2010. His four-year adoption anniversary is barely a week away. We can't imagine life without our sweet, funny, happy little guy, but we face a difficult decision in the coming days.
The MRI alone will cost $1950, and the surgery is estimated at $4500. This doesn't include the nearly $400 we paid just to sit with the neurologist today to discuss options, or the cost of continued care and medication he may need after the surgery. The cost of the MRI is more than we can truly afford, and the added cost of the surgery will be extremely difficult for us, if it's doable at all.
If you know me, you know that my dogs are my world and, by extension, you probably also know Jackson, and you know what a happy, precious little soul he is. He loves his sisters Rosie and Daisy, and he adores every person who'll let him lick their face. He is always full of energy; he loves to chase squirrels, loves to eat noms, always barks at other animals on TV (even the cartoon ones), and Nylabones are his favorite toy. This world will truly not be the same without him.
If you're able to contribute anything at all towards his care, we will be forever indebted to your kindness and generosity. If you aren’t able to contribute financially, please consider sharing this with others who might, and also please send a prayer, positive energy, or wish (or whatever suits your fancy) into the universe for Jackson and for our little dachshund family. He means the world to us. And we can’t thank you enough.
Video (instagram link)
Organizer
Jessica Durbin
Organizer
Alexandria, VA
