Help Bodhi Get the Surgery He Desperately Needs ❤️

Hi everyone,

I’m creating this GoFundMe for my dear friend Katie and her family, because they are facing something heartbreaking with their sweet puppy, Bodhi, and they would never ask for help on their own.

Bodhi is only 6 months old, but he has already brought so much light into their home. Katie adopted him in August after learning he wasn’t in the best situation. He was underweight and needed care, but despite his rough beginning, he instantly became part of the family. He adores the kids, plays beautifully with their other dogs, and has the sweetest, happiest temperament. He’s truly one of those once-in-a-lifetime dogs.

A few weeks ago, everything took a frightening turn. While playing in the backyard, he was knocked over by their older dog, Bella. At first he seemed okay, but over the next few days, Katie noticed a stiff gait in his back legs, followed soon by changes in his front legs. By Monday, she knew something was very wrong. The vet confirmed her fear: this wasn’t a simple injury—it was neurological.

A specialist suspected Wobbler’s Syndrome, something more common in his breed, and recommended an MRI and spinal tap. Those tests were done on December 4th, and the results revealed something even more serious: Bodhi has compression from a subarachnoid diverticulum between his C3 and C4 vertebrae. A cyst is pressing directly on his spinal cord, causing him to wobble, lose balance, and even struggle to stand to use the bathroom.

The specialist believes surgery is his best chance—and it is needed quickly. Without it, the cyst will continue to grow, and Bodhi could lose the ability to walk at all. They are hoping to get him into surgery as soon as this Wednesday.

Kathryn and her family have already paid $3,200 for the MRI and spinal tap. They do have pet insurance and submitted a claim immediately, but they were told today that it may take 10–25 days for the claim to even be reviewed. Because this may be considered a congenital condition, there is no guarantee the insurance will cover anything—not the diagnostic visit, not the MRI, and not the surgery that Bodhi urgently needs.

This family is not one to ask for help. They work hard, they take care of their pets, and Katie works in veterinary medicine herself—she has used every resource and ounce of knowledge she can to help Bodhi through this. But right now, they are simply helpless watching their sweet boy decline, knowing that time is working against them.

I am asking for help on their behalf so Bodhi can get the surgery that gives him a real chance at a happy, full life. A chance to grow up with the kids who adore him. A chance to keep running, playing, learning, and staying the joyful pup he still tries so hard to be through all of this.

Any amount helps—truly. Even sharing this fund makes a difference. Thank you for taking the time to read Bodhi’s story and for supporting this family during an incredibly difficult moment.