Meet Harley, our goofy, lovable 4-year-old miniature dachshund. If you know her, you know she’s full of personality. Harley’s favorite pastime is, well…humping (which is pretty tough to do without back legs), she has a talent for making goofy faces, and she’s always ready to “help” our 1-year-old daughter Maya with her meals. Maya loves yelling “go dogs go!” as Harley and her sidekick Milo zoom through the house.

Sadly, today Harley can’t zoom; she can’t even stand.

Last night, we noticed Harley whining. We were up with her throughout the night trying to keep her calm, comfortable, and still. Unfortunately, as the night progressed, her back injury worsened. Our vet believes she has IVDD, a condition dachshunds are heartbreakingly prone to. We knew this was a possibility at some point, but we didn't expect it at just 4 years young. Within hours, Harley lost the ability to move or feel her back legs. She’s in pain, scared, and needs surgery if she’s ever going to walk (or chase Maya’s snacks) again.

The surgery must happen as soon as possible to give Harley the best chance of recovery. She would need to see Dr. Weinstein at Mission Veterinary Hospital in Mission, Kansas, which is hours away from our home in Wichita. The surgery alone is estimated between $5,000–$10,000, not including travel, medications, and recovery care.

We want to give Harley every chance to run, play, and live the happy, silly life she deserves. But we can’t do it alone.

We are asking for your help to raise at least $8,000 to help cover some of the cost of her surgery, hospital stay, and aftercare.

Every donation, no matter the size, gets us closer to giving Harley her legs — and her life — back.

Sharing this campaign is just as valuable as donating. The more people who hear Harley’s story, the closer we get to saving her.

Harley isn’t just our pet — she’s family. Maya doesn’t understand why her best friend can’t run with her anymore, and we don’t want her to lose that joy forever.

Please help us give Harley the chance to walk, play, and be her funny, loving self again.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.