Hi, I’m Josh Singler, and this is my best friend, Frankie — a 2½-year-old French Bulldog who’s been by my side through everything. Asking for help doesn’t come easily to me, but, I made Frankie a promise the day I brought him home that I’d do whatever it takes to give him the life he deserves.

Yesterday, I rushed Frankie to the emergency vet after a restless night of whimpering, shaking, and obvious pain as he wouldn’t let me get near him. After an exam and some physical tests, the vet determined he had a mild case of IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) — a spinal condition common in small dogs — and sent us home with pain medication and instructions for rest.

But, just hours later, Frankie’s back legs collapsed beneath him and he could no longer stand or walk.

He was admitted to CanWest Veterinary Clinic for the second time with severe pain even with pain medication and after further tests, it was determined that Frankie’s IVDD had progressed rapidly to what they consider "Stage 5" — meaning he had lost all feeling in his left hind leg and only a faint sensation in the right. Without surgery, the Doctors/Neurologists have told me Frankie would be permanently paralyzed and most likely need a wheelchair and manual bladder care for the rest of his life.

After speaking at length with the surgeon and doing my own research, I learned that Frankie has about a 50–60% chance of regaining mobility with surgery. Without it, those odds drop to just 10%, leaving him permanently paralyzed and facing a very difficult life for such a small dog.

I work part-time as a post-secondary design instructor and graphic designer, and this is not something I can afford on my own — nor something I ask for lightly. I understand and carry the burden that I should have had a larger emergency fund set aside for things.

Still, I’ve decided that I need to do everything in my power to get him the surgery he needs to give Frankie a real chance at walking again — at running, playing, and living the life he deserves — then it’s something I have to do, even if it sets me back financially.

The total estimate for Frankie’s emergency care, surgery, and recovery is just over $15,000 CDN, which includes:

If you’re able to contribute, no matter how small, it would mean the world to me and to Frankie. As someone who struggles with anxiety and depression Frankie has been my rock on my hardest of days so I need to fight for him with everything I have. Every little bit helps cover his treatment and recovery costs. If you can’t donate, sharing this link also makes a huge difference.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, sharing, or helping us in any way you can. Much much much love–Josh & Frankie.