This is not easy for me to write.

Many people who know me, my business, or have visited Data Forensics over the years will know Arnie already.

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He was never just a dog in the background. He was part of daily life, part of the business, and part of the story. He is even on the logo. Many customers and clients met him over the years and will remember him well.

To me, he is family.

Arnie has become very unwell and, based on the current information I have so far, including his X-rays, the concern is a serious spinal problem. On 31 March 2026, he is due to go to East Belfast Veterinary Hospital for a full MRI. This is the only veterinary hospital in Northern Ireland with an MRI scanner, and the specialists believe this is the best way to properly understand his condition and plan the right surgery.

The MRI and specialist work-up are expected to cost around £3,000. If the MRI confirms what is currently suspected, surgery is likely to follow, bringing the current estimated total to around £7,000.

What is very important to me is that, based on the current data I have, this is not a situation with poor odds. Quite the opposite. The expected success rate of surgery is believed to be over 90%, which means there is a very strong chance that Arnie can recover well over time and have the quality of life he deserves.

That matters enormously to me.

If the chances were low, this would be a very different decision. But they are not. The costs are very high, but so are the chances of helping him properly. After more than 10 years with me, and after being part of the business and known to many people as well, I believe he deserves that chance.

I also want to address one thing openly, because some people may wonder about insurance. I did insure Arnie for the first six years of his life, and at that stage it was manageable at around £50 per month. But as he got older, despite never making a single claim, the cost rose to a level that was no longer realistic. At one stage I was quoted figures around £300 per month. Unfortunately, that seems to be the reality many dog owners face once their dogs get older. Meaningful insurance becomes extremely expensive and often no longer a viable option.

I also want to be completely clear:

his treatment is going ahead regardless.

This fundraiser is not about deciding whether Arnie gets help. He will get help. It needs to happen as soon as possible to give him the highest chance of the best possible recovery. This page simply gives anyone who knows Arnie, remembers him, or wants to help, the chance to take a small part in that.

I am not comfortable asking for money, but this is a major and unexpected expense. I can carry it, but it will be a very painful and tight experience financially. Any support would genuinely help take some of that pressure away.

If you would like to help Arnie through this next stage, even in a small way, I would be deeply grateful. And if donating is not possible, sharing this page or reading more about his story here would also mean a lot:

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Thank you for reading, thank you for caring, and thank you to anyone who wants to help Arnie.