Help for Ralph


This is Ralph, our 11 week old toy poodle. He is the most loving puppy you will meet and only wants to give you kisses and cuddles. He has had a huge impact on our lives and others that he met in the smallest amount of time.

Last week he had a small bump which lead to a seizure, his body became paralysed on the left side of his body and after lots of scans and X-rays we were told he has a condition called altanto-axial subluxation, which means he is missing a ligament that connects bones in his neck. He has been in intensive care since Saturday. 

The operation to try and fix this can’t be done until he is at least 5 months old and his bones are bigger and stronger. In the mean time, they are trying to get him used to a neck brace and monitor his progress with the paralysis. He is being sedated to stop him trying to get up so much using his right side as if he falls he could do more damage. They are trying to get him stable enough to come home and gain strength here with us in the hope he can have the operation when he is old enough.

Today we had news that he has shown feeling in the left side of his body, there is hope, Ralph is fighting. He is able to eat and go to the toilet, he is trying his hardest.

The vet has said that there’s still a chance he can pull through all of these obstacles and be a healthy dog that can walk, run and play. We are taking his recovery day by day, and we are completely taking the advice of the vet. By the end of the week we have been told we need to have discussions about where to go next based on what’s best for Ralph and his current recovery and what money we can actually get together in time (there is no payment plan option).

The cost of the scans, x-rays and emergency care were so much that we maxed our insurance in 2 days. We have been using our savings since, which lasts us until Friday. The cost of being in intensive care is over £500 a day. If he gets into a more stable position to move into the normal unit it is £200 a day.

We have just been told that our insurance may not pay out due to the nature of the condition. We are now in a very difficult position, and anyone that knows us personally will know we have never asked anyone for financial support before, we don’t like relying on others, but we feel we owe Ralph the fairest chance at seeing this through and can’t let money stop this from happening.

If you are able to support in any way we would be eternally grateful. Friends and family please do not feel pressured to give, sharing can save him too. We aren’t hoping for miracles with money but If this page pays for one more day, he has an extra day to fight and prove he can make it. 

If insurance pays out and we do not need the money for Ralph, we will make sure the money goes to a cause that will help another dog in need.

Thank you, from Zoe, Russ and our little boy Ralph x