Hi, my name is Lauren and I am the owner of an extremely handsome 4-year-old miniature dachshund. Back in 2019, I was suffering quite badly from some serious medical issues, both mentally and physically, which were rapidly declining. This gave my mum the idea of getting me an emotional support pet...So, meet Dougie!

Unfortunately, to my family's horror, Dougie woke up this morning paralysed from the waist down, unable to move, shaking and scared. We rushed him to our local vet and were told he needed to be referred to Davies Veterinary Specialists, which is over an hour away from us. We arrived and after an initial consultation, followed by an MRI, it was confirmed Dougie has stage 4 IVDD, haemorrhaging to the spinal column and needs surgery. Due to the extent of the surgery, Dougie will be staying at the vets for a few days.

For those who don't know what IVDD is, it stands for 'Intervertebral Disc Disease'. This is very common in dachshunds due to their elongated backs. We have always been extremely cautious of this and put measures in place to prevent this from happening, such as ramps, steps etc. but unfortunately, it still happened.

To be honest, this couldn't have come at a worse time. I was recently made redundant and despite having another job secured, I don't start this until next month, meaning I am struggling to meet the required amount to pay for the surgery he needs. We have not been given the exact amount of the vet bill yet, however, the vet told us, the cost of the MRI scan is between £3,000 - £4,000 and the cost of the surgery on top brings the total bill up to between £7,000 and £8,000.

Dougie is the healthiest, most spoilt, gorgeous and happiest little bean and being only 4 years of age, having him put down was not an option. Over the past 4 years, Dougie has been there for me through my toughest moments and now it's my turn. Dougie was completely normal yesterday/last night, playing with his scooby-doo ball and running riot with his sister, Slinky. Then within 12 hours, he has a slipped disc and bleeding on his spinal column. The vet said this could have happened due to sleeping in a funny position or even a sudden movement.

The funds raised will go towards paying Dougie's vet bill and enabling him to receive the treatment he needs to get through this and help him get back to being my happy little bean. Any donations will be greatly appreciated and thank you for taking the time to read what Dougie is going through.

Love from Lauren & Dougie xxx