My grandparents and I need your help to save our family dog, Hamilton, before we're forced to put him down out of mercy.

We can't afford the vet bill for an MRI to confirm a possible herniated disc and surgery to fix it (we're looking at $15k-20k). After several visits to the vet to see if his immobility was caused by a viral infection or muscle inflammation, we have not been successful in his recovery. We've tried all kinds of medications and tests. We've even had vets dismiss us after taking one look at our car in their parking lot and deciding we're financially unable to cover the costs. This fundraiser is our last resort to help him. It's been over a month. He's been down since the beginning of September.

Hamilton has had sore legs before, of which with rest and gentle care he's recovered from. This time, however, after a few days of limping, he collapsed outside our house and has refused to get up since. He cries out in pain at all hours of the day and cries if you leave his sight. My grandparents stay by him through the night, trying to manage his pain with vet-prescribed meds and love. We still aren't sure what has caused his current state, but we are heartbroken to think of this energetic and joyful baby being bed-bound.

A little more about Hamilton: Hamilton is a happy-go-lucky heeler who loves to race and frolic with his sisters. The rambunctious pup was lovingly named Hamilton after Hamilton the musical (the theatre nerd of the family--cough, me--suggested it) for his golden coat and scrappy personality. To strangers, he may need to warm up a bit before he trusts you, but when he does, he is the most loyal and loving canine you could ask for. At dinner, he'll brazenly nudge your leg with his nose beneath the table to ask for scraps. In the heat of afternoon, you can find him sprawled almost humanly across your sofa.

Now that he's immobile, my grandparents do all that they can to include him in their morning hikes and park visits. They jerry-rigged a wagon to carry him to and fro, but they know this is not enough for him. While his sisters play, he twists his head as far as his spine will permit him, wistfully yipping. He wants to join but he can't. And though his world is bleak right now, when you pet him, he still tries to wag his tail.

Please, help us any way you can to save Hamilton. Whatever amount you can donate. Nothing is too little. Donating also isn't the only way to help. Please share our gofundme with friends, family, classmates, coworkers. Check out our Tiktok (@helphammy ) for updates or help us spread our fundraiser there.

If you've read this far, thank you. From the bottom of our hearts.