Within 24 hours of being seen at the emergency vet for limping on Friday 12/9, Ollie, only 6, became almost entirely paralyzed from the waist down with no known precipitating event.

We went to Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, where Ollie was admitted for a sedated MRI to determine the cause of his paralysis. The disc rupture in his spine seen on MRI was described by the neurologist as "worst case scenario," but he was reassured that Ollie continued to have control of his bowel/bladder, pain sensation, and a wagging tail (!!). He estimated an 80-90% chance Ollie would regain mobility post-op, but would have a very poor prognosis if they did not decompress his spinal cord ASAP. How could I not say yes to saving my boy, no matter the cost?

Ollie spent 6 hours in the operating room for a T11-L2 hemilaminectomy - one of the worst disc extrusions (ruptured discs) the neurologist has ever seen, requiring a longer surgery and a bigger incision. He had 5 vertebrae and his spinal cord operated on, and despite "rupturing with a vengeance," they said the surgery could not have gone better.

After 3 days inpatient at Angell, Ollie WALKED HIMSELF OUT THE FRONT DOOR! He is now home to continue his long recovery process. He is restricted to minimal activity for the next 6 weeks while his spinal cord heals and the inflammation settles - a challenge if you know Ollie and his love for being outside and around his people (and squirrels). He remains unstable on his feet, but his mobility is expected to improve over the next 2-4 weeks.

I am so grateful to have people asking how they can support us through this catastrophic injury to Ollie, especially those from afar. As hard as it is to admit to the online world, what would truly help most is contributions to Ollie's vet bills and recovery. As a single dog mom with a demanding work schedule, I know I have my challenges ahead while I learn how to adapt our lifestyle and home to Ollie's new mobility and health needs.

I always knew there was no limit to what I would spend if my dogs ever required complex vet care with a promising prognosis. We do crazy things for those we love, don't we? I naively thought "any amount of money" would be $5k for an ortho injury or $7k for a bowel obstruction. I never thought I would be faced with over $10k in surgical and neuro care, plus the costs of medications, post-op care and rehab, and adaptive items to help his mobility at home.

Before this lecture comes my way - on my iPhone reminders app for 01/2023 is "get dogs pet insurance," and wow, do I feel guilty that I didn’t have it before now. While I work through those feelings of guilt with my therapist, I have already signed Rover and Ollie up for pet insurance and encourage you to do the same for your pups. Please let my mistake never happen to you.

As I wrap this up, I know some people may be thinking - "he's just a dog; how could you spend upwards of $10,000 on surgery with no guarantee it would restore his mobility?" And you're not wrong, but it is a gamble I would take a thousand times over if it means I get more years with my best boy.

Ollie is a dog unlike any other, and if you've been lucky enough to spend time with him in Boston, Chicago, or on one of our many adventures down the east coast, you know how much love he has to give to everyone he meets. Now it's our turn to love on him.

We appreciate your consideration, especially during the financially demanding holiday season. No amount is too small and every penny will go directly to Ollie's medical bills and post-op rehab care.

Offline donations welcome - venmo @katiebell14