Help Albert Get Help

Hi everyone (Sierra here),



After my intense reluctance to make a donation page or ask anything of anyone, my sweet cousin Sabrina set out to making a GoFundMe page (without my knowledge, you absolute crazy woman - thank you, angel).

I am having to suddenly embark on one of the most heartbreaking journey’s of my life with my 7 year old pumpkin baby, Albert. 

Dachshunds typically have the life expectancy of 12-15 happy years. He has provided me with so much laughter, happiness, love, companionship, adventures, and strength during hard times, which is why I am not willing or ready, in any capacity, to give up on my amazing little man.

Albert’s medical (IVDD) story:

It’s been 3 gruelling weeks of vet visits, follow-ups and caring for Albert in any free time that I can get & throughout the early hours of the mornings. He was presenting early signs of pain and discomfort due to what I felt in my gut to be IVDD (Intervertebral disc disease: a debilitating degenerative condition of the spinal discs, ranging from mild discomfort to paralysis).

My vet ruled out any other possibilities of illnesses/complications with blood tests and an x-ray. I was told that rest, lessened physical activity, and medications would alleviate his pain…until they didn’t.

This past Friday night I carried him outside and supervised him, but immediately realized that both of his back legs were wobbling and toppling over one another. I knew time was of the essence. IVDD can progressively worsen or strike at any moment - seeing Albert go from night to day was more terrifying and gut-wrenching than I want to describe.

I rushed him to urgent care the next morning. I broke down crying from shock when I saw that within minutes he could not even move his hind legs, began to drag himself, and could not sit straight without me holding him upwards or assisting him.

I asked for a second and third opinion at other hospitals, but neurologists & surgeons charge roughly all the same pricing for these invasive procedures.

I left the hospital feeling the most hopeless I’ve ever felt in my life, with only two options to choose from: either I put myself in severe debt or put my baby down.

Because of the insanely unrealistic costs of diagnosing & treating IVDD, the only thing that I can do right now is to try conservative therapies (several possible months of crate rest, physio, acupuncture, magnawave, hydrotherapy, etc). There have been many successful non-surgical miracles and outcomes, however recovery cannot always be guaranteed. All I can really do is hold onto hope.

Anything counts, no matter how small. I cannot even begin to express my deep gratitude for the creation of this page in the first place, those who have donated, and everyone who has sent well wishes within the last couple of weeks or kept in contact with me through this rough time. Believe me, I see you and your messages mean so much to me. I wish Albert could see how incredibly loved he is and know just how many of you are rooting for him. 

Thank you beyond words, from the bottom of both of our little (big) hearts.