Hi, my name is Natalie and I am Winston’s mom. Winston is a young miniature dachshund at only five years old. Winston came into my life during the devastating loss of my previous dachshund, Sheldon and a bad breakup. Winston has provided me with so much comfort during my stages of depression and severe anxiety. So much so that he is registered as an emotional support animal. Winston has been with me through my worst moments and my best. He can’t help but put a smile on every person that he meets. He has the most gentle soul.

Unfortunately, on May 22nd, my worst nightmare happened and I noticed when I got home from work that Winston did not greet me like he usually does. I knew immediately something was wrong and obsessed over it the entire night. He was not barking or showering me in kisses like he always does. I noticed that he was having trouble walking and was not moving his back legs.

May 23rd, my boyfriend and I took Winston to the vet with the soonest appointment we could get. The vet noticed right away that something was clearly wrong with his spine. The vet ran tests/X-rays and sure enough the vet found four worn down discs in his spine. Without surgery he may never be able to walk again. Surgery will costs us over $10,000 and of course I want to get it done to save his quality of life. He is my world. I hate seeing him in so much pain. I am asking you, the public, to help out in anyway that you can. 100% proceeds will go to Winston’s vet bills. I am worried that I may not have all the funds to make this happen for him. He has pet insurance but I got it not too long ago prior to his injury and they just won’t cover the costs because it doesn’t fully kick in until June. I have already spent so much today alone on the medicine and wheelchair. Whatever you can donate will help us out tremendously. It’s not going to be easy but with all of your support we can make this happen for my little guy. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read our story ❤️

***UPDATE***May 25th, we had to take Winston to emergency due to the second opinion we received at another Vet office. Winston has lost the sensation of pain and it was critical that we admit him or else he would ever have the chance to walk again. We thankfully found one emergency pet hospital in Lafayette that would take him as an emergency after calling other vet hospitals for hours. We admitted Winston and were given the bad news that because of his size and the severity of his condition that the surgery will cost about $19,000 and deposit of $14,000 was put down in order to get him seen. This may sound like a ridiculous amount for “just a dog” but Winston is my family. I just want to him live a full fulfilling life like every other dog, but I also do not want to carry this crippling debt with me for a surgery that may help him walk again. If we do not go through with the surgery, Winston will lose control of his bladder and for the rest of his life I will have to diaper change and empty his bowels every single day. Please help share our story and do not give up hope on my little guy.

***FINAL UPDATE*** Winston will be coming home with me today from emergency IVDD surgery. Before he was seen, they gave him a very low chance of ever walking again and it could be fatal but after the MRI the doctor believed his chances were greater than he believed and went ahead to do the surgery anyways. Typically these surgeries can cost $10,000, however, this was the only ER hospital that would take him during an extremely busy memorial weekend. Winston did so well that they are discharging him today, one day after the surgery. They have already quoted me $19,000 including the surgery and the days he will be in the hospital. I am keeping this up to help us with this HUGE medical bill that we now have. I know it may seem ridiculous to most people that we would pay this kind of money to save our dog, but our pets are family. Winston’s story has touched many hearts and is loved by so many. Please send him positive healing vibes and a speedy recovery. I just want to thank you all for all the support and donations to help speed this surgery up for him. Now my little man will be able to live a thriving life and will be a happy boy he once was❤️ You all are incredible and I am so grateful to you all.