Dino's Spinal Surgery Fund

My dog's name is Dino.  He is the poster child for man's best friend.  Well...probably more like Women's best friend.  If there is a group of people in the room, he'll start making his rounds and go to the women first, before approaching the men.  Either way, he's one of those dog's that loves everyone regardless of gender, race, or size.  He once tried playing fetch with an 18 month old.  It was adorable.  Even people, who don't really like dogs much, like or love Dino.   He is a rescue.  He came to us because he washed out of police school because he was too nice.  If he hit a bite sleeve and you yelled "Ouch!", he would release.  Then he would give you the "I'm sorry look".  That doesn't work as a police dog, but it makes him a great member of the family.  He doesn't bite.  He doesn't chew anything but his toys, which is amazing for a high energy dog.

He is a Belgian Malinois.  A lot of people mistake Belgian Malinois for German Shepherd.  They are incredibly loyal, loving, playful, and high energy.  He's no exception.  If I get up, and start to go somewhere, he's right there beside me.  If I even shift a little bit on the couch, he lifts his head looks at me intently to see if I am going to go somewhere fun.  He wants to go where I go.  As my husband once said, he's happy anywhere, as long as I am there.  It's really hard not to love someone who is that dedicated and loyal to you.  When I get home from work, he spins around and starts jumping around like a mad man.  How can anyone not love someone that is that happy to see you?  It's impossible.  If I am sad, he lays down right next to me and lays his head on my lap.  Sometimes, when he’s lying on my lap, he’ll turn around and give me that dingus smile Mals have, and make me laugh.  He always knows how to make me laugh when I need it.

Recently, he started having problems moving.  Specifically going up and down stairs, or turning corners.  It's like his rear legs are struggling to keep up with the rest of his body.  He stumbles and trips a lot and has a very hard time staying upright on tile or wood floors.  This morning, he even had a hard time trying to go to the bathroom.  We spoke with his vet, and he believed it was a compressed disc.  Which is treatable with surgery.  He then gave us the number of a dog neurologist.  I never knew there was such a thing, until I needed one.  He examined Dino and wanted to rule out degenerative myelopathy (the human equivalent would be ALS).  We ruled that out with a genetic test.  Now he wants to do an MRI and x-rays, which he has to be sedated for.  When I was told it would be around $2,500, I was shocked.  Unfortunately, it's something that needs to be done to determine what exactly is wrong so we can treat it.  If he needs surgery, he told me it would be an additional $5,500.  He didn't say how much rehabilitation costs would be.  From what I have read on various vet sites he will need, at a minimum, crate rest, physical therapy and post-surgical vet visits.  One visit cost $180.  I am not sure yet, how much physical therapy will be.  I am guessing that the cost of surgery, MRI, and after surgery care will be around $10,000.  He may be 9 years old, but he is full of energy.  Some might ask why I don't euthanize him.  The simple answer is, that I don't feel right putting such a loyal, loving, full of energy and life creature down, because treating him is too expensive.  I want to do everything I can to try and raise money to get him the care he deserves.  Also, it's not uncommon for Mals to live until they are 14.  He's happy and healthy otherwise, so I don't see why he wouldn't make it to 14. 

Please help us get Dino the care he needs so we don't have to euthanize him.  I've already taken a loan out on my 401k to pay for the MRI.  I will also be putting stuff up for sale on ebay to help raise more money.  I am asking for help with the surgery and rehabilitation costs.  His MRI is on Tuesday, and we should have the results by the end of the week.  He seems to be getting worse by the day, so it might be sooner than that.  I will provide updates on his health and recovery.  I will also include copies of the invoices so you can see how much his care cost.  Anything over what we actually spend will go to the ABMR Belgian Malinois Rescue organization.  Any help you could provide would help him get the care he needs.  If you can share this campaign and spread the word, it would go a long way to achive our goal.  I would greatly appriciate any help you can provide. Thank you for taking the time to read this.   

This guy means the world to be.  He's my best friend, and has helped me through some tough times.  Please help me do the same for him.