Help Finn Walk Again: Support His MRI and Care

Update 06/27: 

We got Finn in for his MRI this morning. It was a rough 3 hr drive from Oklahoma to Texas but everything went well and the staff at Animal Imaging in Irving were beyond amazing. The total for the MRI was $3751. We still expect to pay for the prognosis (result reading and interpretation) and treatment, however the amount donated so far has already been such a relief. Finn is currently coming down from anesthesia but the staff adored him and said he was brave and healthy despite his injury. We won’t know anything about results until tomorrow or Monday at the latest. ❤️

Update 06/26:

Thank you everyone so far for the donations…. It’s been emotional to see how quickly our friends and family jumped to support us. The last day or so Finn has been in extreme pain. In our urgency to get him help we’ve decided to seek an MRI in Dallas at Animal Imaging for quicker help. They have currently quoted us up to $4000 for an MRI and other necessary costs (such as general anesthesia, blood panel, etc.). His MRI is scheduled for June 26th at 7 a.m. and we will update with prognosis.❤️

Finns Story:

Braxton and I first adopted Finn march of 2024.

We agreed for years that we weren’t ready for the responsibility of a pet at the time despite our deep desire to have one. Finn was the exception to this rule.

I first came across Finn while he was taken out of Norman Animal Welfare by some OU students to try and get adopted. During a passing period, with hundreds of students out, Finn singled me out and it was an instant connection. I immediately called Braxton and told him about it. For days, I would stay awake at night thinking about Finn alone in a cell at the shelter. Broken to think he could be laying next to us instead. Braxton saw this turmoil and we agreed to have Finn over for a trial weekend. It took Finn approximately 30 minutes to win Braxton over. He was ours. As a favorite in the pound, the staff were elated but also sad to be missing their favorite dog once we took him home, and this theme is a reoccurring one with anyone who spends time with Finn.

I cannot imagine a world in which I’ve been given such a loyal and loving baby for only short year. He is steadfast, he adores us, he is docile but energetic, he pouts when it’s bed time, he licks my face when I cry, he will always prefer being right next to me, or anyone else willing to cuddle and snuggle him.

Finn is unlike any dog I've ever known and ever loved. I truly feel our souls are intertwined and the thought of a world without him... so soon, when it's not his time yet breaks me.

Finn's Injury:

On June 7th, Finn injured an area where his tail meets his spine. Because Finn was on some pain medication due to a previous vet visit that resulted in an (hopefully) unrelated injury due to a negligent vet, we believe this injury went initially unnoticed until last week. Finn suddenly had trouble walking on his back left foot and we took him in (June 19th) initially hoping it was some sort of pulled muscle or tear.

As the days went on we quickly realized it was not so simple. Finn could no longer control his defecation or urination. His spirit quickly faded as he was unable to walk and remained uncoordinated. He is experiencing several other symptoms that were obviously uncomfortable and we took him to the vet once more (June 23nd), knowing it was worse than we thought.

Our general vet (Dr. Kim Mudroch) immediately referred us to a specialist, going as far as calling places herself to get us in same day. The following specialist (Dr. Lamb) ran some x-rays (June 23nd),and told us that it seems it is unfortunately nerve damage and an MRI is the next recommendation. She told us his case is complicated, and she would refer us to a few specialists right away. We are now in the process of waiting, not only for an appointment opening but also the financial ability to get him the treatment he needs.

We have been told the MRI diagnosis alone will cost $2700-$2900, at the MRI specialist we have chosen. We have searched for more affordable offices and this is the best we could do. Following the MRI, treatment will be needed and there is no way to know how much it will cost but we are willing to try.

While some people may regard this as "extreme lengths" for a dog, Braxton and I will do everything we can to give Finn a fighting chance. He has loved us so that he deserves for us to fight for him. The beginning of his life wasn't pretty, and he deserves more than a year of happiness. Our lives are forever changed with his existence and so we plea to our friends and family for help. Any help. We know some can only offer prayers and that is more than appreciated. For those who are willing and able to offer financial assistance, we will be forever grateful and indebted to you.