Brody is my 6-year-old French Bulldog and has been my service animal for the past four years, providing me with comfort and support as I manage chronic pain from endometriosis. This past Sunday, Brody suddenly collapsed in pain and began having difficulty walking. His condition quickly worsened, and I had to seek emergency neurological care to save his quality of life. After a thorough evaluation, Brody was diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), and an MRI revealed a severe L3/L4 disc herniation. This caused him intense pain and paralysis in his hind legs, making surgery his best chance at recovering the ability to walk again.

We were incredibly fortunate to find a compassionate neurological team at the VCA in Mission Valley. The surgery was urgent and, during recovery, Brody faced life-threatening complications that required him to be sedated into a coma to stabilize his breathing. Thankfully, he pulled through, but we now face a long road ahead. Brody will need at least eight weeks of strict crate rest and months of physical therapy to help him regain his strength and mobility. He is a beloved member of our family, and his role as my service animal is truly irreplaceable.

I am reaching out for help to cover the cost of Brody’s surgery and the ongoing therapy he needs to walk again. Any support for Brody’s recovery means the world to us. Thank you for helping give him the best chance at walking again and staying by my side.