Help Atlas's Recovery

We are creating this fundraiser for our three-year-old emotional support miniature longhaired dachshund.

On our way across country for my move the unexpected happened. He was suddenly in excruciating pain and favoring his back right leg. We rushed him to the nearest emergency hospital in Flagstaff Arizona. He immediately told us that he suspected a slipped disc and recommended an immediate CT scan. They discovered that he had compressed discs on his L1 and L2 putting pressure on his spinal cord. We had a critical decision to make.

He gave us two options:

Staying in flagstaff to meet their neurologist in person potentially in a couple days for surgery. But would have to live in a Hotel for a couple months for post OP care and PT. OR

He could prescribe him steroids, pain medications, and a muscle relaxer to complete our journey to TN. But making sure he is confined in a crate unable to hurt himself more risking paralysis on the journey home. Then we could find a neurologist in our new home state for surgery options.

We opted to continue our trip home while monitoring him and keeping him stable. As living in a hotel was not financially feasible. and atlas would be more comfortable healing at his home.

The life and quality-of-life saving surgery he needs vets can perform with a 90 percent chance of survival. The surgery is a long extensive process. If successful, we can take Atlas home as soon as the vets clear him. He will be crated and mostly immobile for the first month as he recovers, with a catheter and regular physical therapy.

From there, we will continue the PT at home with the goal that he will no longer be In excruciating pain with periodic lameness in his back legs as well as not be paralyzed for the rest of his life with only 50% survival rate.

While it is a long journey ahead, Atlas is an essential part of our lives. He deserves to live his life to the fullest with the best quality of life.

We have decided, in the hopes to give him the best option possible, to pursue the surgery option. However, given the severity of his injury and the length of time he will need to recover, the cost is between $15,000 - $20,000. All donations will go directly to the cost of surgery, PT, and supportive care. We want to thank you for taking the time to consider our request, and for any donations (or shares of this fundraiser) you may be able to help with. Atlas is a crucial part of our family.

Atlas and my family thanks you.