Hello All...My name is Tim and pictured in this GoFundMe is Bandit!! I received a very unfortunate call from my great friend Michael Hildebrand this morning to update me on some recent events regarding Bandit. He proceeded to explain to me that his family dog Bandit had been unusually restless all night and pacing the floor inexplicably. Being that we wished our pups could tell us what is wrong, all anyone could do is stay vigilant and monitor him overnight as this was abnormal behavior. He's always been a very healthy dog and shown normal habits so clearly, something was wrong.

The correct decision was made to take Bandit to the Vet in the morning where he received a general checkup and was issued some treatment to help alleviate any discomfort he was experiencing. Bandit returned home to relax, rest and be monitored by Michael's roommate. At a moment when Bandit seemed comfortable, his roommate went to take a shower. When the roommate was done with a shower, he discovered Bandit in heavy distress, crying, and had completely lost the ability to use his hind legs. He no longer could stand up or move!! Nobody could understand what was wrong as he had been normal the previous day and had not been involved in any incidents leading up to this situation.

Shocked and concerned Bandit was rushed back to the Vet to be looked at and treated immediately. After some tests and X-rays, the doctors delivered the news that Bandit would require immediate back surgery to correct the unforeseen spinal injury he was now suffering. Michael was told that the surgery would cost $6,000 and they wanted to transfer Bandit down to UGA where the right team could do the procedure. Absolutely an unexpected cost, the confidence of the doctors left Michael willing to do whatever he could to help reverse Bandit's condition, and give him the quality of life he had prior.

It's very common to hear people say that our animals are effectively our children and I know how much Michael loves Bandit and that he would do anything in his power to give him the best chance to survive this horrific turn of events. Clearly, this is an expensive surgery and rehab will be a tough road ahead, but Bandit deserves a chance!! As many of us are pet owners and animal lovers alike, I'm sure we would do the same for our furbabies as well. I started this GoFundMe with the sole goal of bringing everyone together to help buffer the costs of helping Michael and the doctors to return Bandit to his old exuberant self. I'm hoping you'll join me in providing Michael some financial relief and support Bandit's Battle for recovery. 100% of the donations will go to Michael to help pay for the medical costs of the surgery. Every little bit helps!! Thank You!! :)