Hi, my name is Samantha Martinez and Willow is my wonderfully amazing service dog. Willow is a complete blessing and anyone that has met him can tell you how much joy he brings to everyone he meets, including me. Willow is essential to my everyday life, so much so that he even goes to work with me. On Monday, February 7th, Willow started to show some discomfort with laying down and standing. On Tuesday, Willow started to limp and lift his front right paw. By Wednesday, Willow had his first episode despite being prescribed two different pain medications that morning. Wednesday night, Willow had an arched back, a lifted front paw, a contorted face, and a twisted neck while whimpering in pain. He ended up falling to the ground, unable to stand, shaking. This led to his second emergency visit of the day.

Willow got x-rays, a pain shot, and new pain medication to add to his rotation. Along with this, Willow was prescribed extreme crate rest to which he is confined to a crate all day, except for small bathroom breaks, for the next 2 weeks. He was diagnosed with suspected Intervertebral Disc Disease or IVDD. IVDD is a degenerative process that occurs when the shock-absorbing discs between your dog's vertebrae gradually begin to harden until they are no longer able to cushion the vertebrae normally. IVDD can lead to paralysis and leave Willow unable to walk and in chronic pain. And if you know Willow's love for fetch and his genuine joy about being a service dog, you would know that this would hurt Willow more than any disease.

Fortunately, this can be treated. Willow needs to be seen by a neurologist, have an MRI completed, and have corrective surgery. Unfortunately, I have been quoted a $12,000 estimate for Willow's treatment plan. As a recent college graduate and as someone who has dedicated their career to helping people get connected to mental health resources, I do not have anywhere near that amount of money to help my baby.

I am humbly asking anyone reading this to contribute anything they can as any amount helps. If you can't donate, please share this as the more people who see this, the higher the likelihood of Willow being able to live out his pain-free life as he so rightly deserves.

Donations can also be sent through:

Venmo: SamMartinez2928

Zelle: raemartinez @ ucdavis. edu (ignore spacing-GoFundMe doesn't allow emails)

Cashapp: $amMartinez2

With Love,

Sam + Willow