My name is Stephanie and the last time I made a GoFundMe was for my cancer battle. This time I’m rallying for my little girl Eva. She’s our 4-year-old dachshund and on Wednesday, February 6th, 2025, Julius and I rushed her to an animal hospital because she was having some sort of emergency, and my worst fear and nightmare came true. We were told she has a slipped disc, which dachshunds are very prone to. In my 35 years of owning dachshunds, I thought I’d been lucky in not having this happen to any of our past and current dachshunds.

This was taken at the animal hospital.

The vet then proceeded to tell us that we had 2 options: she would require surgery or to humanely euthanize her. Julius lost it and couldn’t remain in the room because he was overcome with emotion. I was then dropped with the bomb of the cost of the surgery being roughly $8K-$12K, which would include an MRI scan too.

Euthanizing Eva is out of the question, she’s only 4. She’s the most energetic out of our little pack of 3 weenies. We’ve had all 3 dogs since they were each about 7-8 weeks old. They’re also half-siblings and very close. I can’t fathom putting her down when she has so much life left to live. My oldest dachshund, Fritz, lived to be 17 years old.

L to R: Ollie, Eva, and Baymax on her 4th birthday.

The vet at the hospital referred us to SCAN in Naples, and we have an appointment Monday (my birthday), which I have cancelled any birthday plans I had to ensure the care of Eva. Not to mention I’ve been sick at home and missed almost a week of work due to having the flu. It’s a curse and a godsend because I’ve been able to be at home to keep a close eye on her since she has to be on strict crate rest and can only come out to go to the bathroom. This requires I use a sling I purchased to support her lower back/hips/spine to prevent any further injury. We were sent home with some pain medication until her appointment.

This has been her semi-permanent home for now.

This has been very difficult for me to type up and I wouldn’t do so if I wasn’t desperate for any assistance. Between the animal hospital/medication and securing just a consultation with SCAN, I’m already out about $700. Money I had put aside for the dogs’ teeth cleaning and for my birthday celebrations, which I didn’t even give a second thought. But Julius and I can’t cover all costs for her MRI and surgery. I’m weighing all my options and still going to the consultation to see what the specialists say.

My heart just hurts so much seeing her like this because she’s my baby girl and I love her so much.

Even if you can make the smallest of donations, I hope you can find it in your hearts to do so. I will do my best to spread this message and update this GoFundMe in her journey to recovery.

Thank you kindly for taking the time to read this. Even if you cannot donate, simply sharing this message with your friends could help make the difference.

Thank you and God Bless,

Stephanie Ogilvie and Julius Gawlik