Help Charlie “Plumpy Peaches” Walk Again

Update (January 1st, 2026): I have updated Charlie’s Story, our new mission, and new Instagram content!

Charlie Plumpy IG: charlie_plumpy_peaches

Short version: Charlie just turned 9 years old last August! He is golden-yellow lab who lost the ability to walk after a newly discovered spinal injury—but he hasn’t lost his will to live. He still eats, plays with his stuffed animal toys, responds to us, and gets excited for daily walks in his temporary stroller. We provide full-time care, but the cost of pee pads, food, pain medicine for his inflammation and daily supplies is overwhelming—especially after having to change careers. We’re raising a new goal of $1,500 to keep Charlie comfortable, mobile, and supported in this new year of 2026, as he continues fighting for his independence. Every dollar helps give him dignity, comfort, and hope. And a new custom wheelchair to help him walk again!

The Bigger Story about Charlie:

A New Chapter. A New Mission.

Earlier this year, we believed we were fighting to save Charlie’s life from cancer. Today, we are incredibly grateful to say that Charlie shows no clear signs of cancer. His nasal infection is gone. The bumps on his nose have disappeared. For over 7 months, there has been no progression of disease.

What happened remains unclear. One oncologist believed Charlie had cancer based on an early biopsy, while another later told us that his symptoms and rapid recovery did not match cancer at all. We now believe Charlie was likely misdiagnosed and instead suffered from a severe inflammatory infection that responded to treatment. Unfortunately, we never had the funds to continue seeing specialists who couldn’t agree on what was wrong.

But while that chapter has closed, a new and much harder challenge began.

Charlie Can’t Walk — But He Still Wants to Live

Since June 2025, Charlie has been unable to walk on his own.

Our regular veterinarian believes Charlie suffered a spinal injury or vertebral rupture, causing him to lose nerve function in his back legs. By the time we learned what was happening, surgery was no longer a viable option—and even if we had over $10,000, there was no guarantee it would restore his mobility.

Charlie turned 9 years old in August. He weighs about 100 pounds. He is disabled—but he is not done.

He still eats three meals a day.

He still barks at the train every time it passes.

He still responds when we talk to him.

He still does tricks.

He still gets excited when we say “park” or “walk” ..or "BACON!"

When we ask him if he wants to walk again, he answers us.

When we ask if he wants to keep living, he answers us.

Charlie is still very much here mentally and physically.

Left Behind — But Not Given Up On

Charlie was originally co-owned. In December 2025, that person completely gave up on Charlie. The agreement to share his care ended. Charlie was abandoned.

Worse, we were pressured—without our consent—to euthanize him. An attempt was even made behind our backs.

We refused.

Instead, my partner and I chose the harder path: full-time care for a disabled senior dog who still wants to live.

Charlie is now lovingly known as “Grandpa Plump.” He’s needy. He’s vocal. He’s emotional. And he is deeply loved.

What Daily Life Looks Like Now

Charlie cannot walk, pee, or poop without help.

Every-day, we:

Lift his body and support his back legs so he can relieve himself

Clean and bathe his lower body multiple times a day

Use 3–5 pee pads daily

Use reusable diapers (that don’t always stay on)

Spend 30+ minutes per cleanup when accidents happen

He has two beds to shift between. We’ve covered our floors with pads and cardboard boxes to help manage messes. He spends most of his day lying down—but when he moves, he drags himself forward using his powerful front legs, which I help massage.

His front legs are seriously still really strong because he wants to move.

We take him on daily “walks” in a large stroller so he can smell the world around us—his favorite thing in the world.

Why We’re Asking for Help Again

Last spring, we raised $1,200 during our first campaign. We stretched that money for 8 months, using every dollar responsibly. The final portion was used in December to order a custom-fit wheelchair, which is currently being made and shipped to us.

Now, we need help to keep going.

I recently had to leave my job of three years and took a significant financial hit with some unexpected events. I’m actively applying for new work, but Charlie’s care expenses don’t pause.

Our immediate goal is to raise $1,500 to help cover:

& Continued mobility support as Charlie learns to use his wheelchair

We truly believe this wheelchair will change everything—helping Charlie rebuild confidence, strength, and true independence.

Charlie Isn’t Ready to Quit. We Aren’t Either.

Charlie still wants to explore.

He still wants to sniff the world.

He still wants to walk.

We’re not asking for sympathy—we’re asking for support so we can keep giving this incredible dog the life he’s fighting for.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping Charlie “Plumpy Peaches” take his next steps forward. ❤️

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