This is Akkeri. She’s four years old, full of empathy, loyalty, and gentle mischief. On 13 May she suffered a significant spinal injury with a few days in WAVES hospital, barely able to move —an injury that may leave her paralyzed without rehabilitation. And that bill alone is around $10 000 before we start rehabilitation.

The diagnosis is a fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) at L2 to L4 spine. There are no surgical procedures to help. She needs extensive rehabilitation, including physio, electrostimulation and hydrotherapy, over the next 3 to 6 months. The better care we can get for her, the better her chances are at recovery. The closest facility is also an hour away from where we live.

Currently she moves 1 leg slightly, but when she is lifted, her back legs just drag on the ground. She is unable to urinate and has a catheter in. Rehabilitation will help restore the function she needs.

Earlier this year, our older dog Skye was seriously ill. Akkeri, in her quiet and intuitive way, stepped in as a healer—nudging her sister to drink water, showing her how to eat, staying beside her without being asked. She became the caregiver, the encourager, the glue holding us together. And now, the one who comforted us all is the one who needs saving.

We’re doing everything we can, including working multiple jobs. But we can’t do this alone.

If you are able to contribute, even a small amount, you’ll be giving Akkeri a second chance—to walk again, to play again, to keep being the sweet soul we love so deeply. If you can’t donate, sharing this page would mean the world to us. It might be the one share that reaches someone who can help.

We’ll post updates about Akkeri’s progress and any decisions we face. Every bit of help goes directly toward her care and recovery.

Thank you for reading, thank you for caring, and thank you for holding hope with us.

With love and gratitude,

Marius and Jutta Bothma