My name is Melissa and on Christmas eve Veronicas dog Bernie got under the tire of an atv and was run over. He was unable to move his back legs and was coughing up large amounts of blood so was immediately taken to VCA Sacramento for emergency care.

After numerous scans, ultrasounds, blood work, medication etc it was found that he has badly bruised lungs, fractured shoulder, and worst of all herniated discs in his low back that are pressing on the spinal cord causing him to lose control of his back legs and have shooting nerve pain. He was in ICU for a few days and was starting improve so was being weaned off the medication to see where he was really at and if he could come home. Unfortunately by morning Bernie had declined significantly and needed to stay longer to try a different concoction that we could do at home.

The options were a $5,000 mri and $12,000 surgery or we could try medical management at home consisting of sedative, pain meds and steroids along with Crate rest for 6-8 weeks. It was decided to try medical management at home. He was brought home yesterday (12/27) and was resting comfortably. As of this morning Bernie seems to be declining again and waking up yelping in pain when the pain meds should be in full force. After talking with the vet this morning we will be taking Bernie back in for a new evaluation of his neurological symptoms. If they are worsening there will be some hard decisions to be made. If his deficits have not changed and it’s more of an increase of pain vs increasing spinal cord damage Bernie will get a pain patch and we will keep trying to get this special boy healed.

Bernie was is pretty rough shape physically and as you can imagine Veronica was in very rough shape emotionally. Anyone who knows Veronica also knows Bernie, they are a package deal and he is her heart. The sun rises and sets with Bernie, he is her soft place to fall after rough days and is often times the only thing that can cheer her up during those hard times. She has had Bernie since he was 6 weeks old, he will be turning 6 years old this weekend. He has been there during so many life altering events and milestones with Veronica always putting his well-being as the main priority.

Veronica has always been there for all of us no matter what she has going on. If you have a sick or injured horse she jumps in to help or take them to the vet without hesitation and doesn’t ask for anything in return. If she knows your having a tough day she puts her life on hold to check in, make runs to store for whatever you want that will make you feel better, give hugs of comfort…She expects nothing in return.

If you are struggling with your horse and she notices, what does she do…. She offers help, gives of her time that there never seems to be enough of and again doesn’t ask for compensation.

Now Veronica needs our help, it’s our turn to give back.

No matter what way this situation goes with sweet Bernie the vet bills are very high and Veronica is not one to ever ask for help. I am asking for help for her. This situation is hard enough without the added stress of the financial burden.

Any donation helps, any prayers and positive thoughts being thrown into the universe helps too.

Thank you in advance for your love, compassion and kindness ❤️