On February 14th, our 3 year old baby shih tzu, Kiki, lost the ability to walk on her back legs. We took her to the ER and were told she was having a neurological episode and needed to see a specialist as soon as possible. That same night, Kiki was diagnosed with IVDD, a serious spinal condition, but the exact location of the problem was unclear. We were given three options: 1. get an MRI and immediate surgery, 2. manage her pain at home, or 3. consider euthanasia. Even though the cost of surgery was overwhelming, we decided that was the route we would go with in hopes to restore her ability to walk and give her a pain free life. Kiki is family, she’s our little baby and not being able to walk again was not a valid reason for us to euthanizing her. Other than that she's healthy.

This past month has been incredibly emotional. Kiki is still unable to walk on her back legs, but she is no longer in pain. She is naturally a playful and energetic dog even with all of this happening to her. She now relies on us for everything, and we’ve had to take time off work to care for her around the clock. 

Just as we thought everything was going smoothly, on March 21st, Kiki began eating 3 of the toes on her left hind leg and she was rushed to the ER again. The vet told us it was most likely because she was feeling some sort of sensation like tingling and since she still cannot feel deep pain, she didn’t realize the damage she was causing. Since no surgeons were available on the weekend, Kiki was scheduled for surgery March 23rd in order to have her 3 toes amputated. She is back home with medication and on an extended 2 week crate rest. 

The funds we raise will go directly towards paying for Kiki’s surgeries, and if needed, special equipment to help her walk again. The neurologist gave her a 50/50 chance of walking and we want to do everything possible to help her heal. I’m usually not someone who asks for help and I always try to handle things on my own. But even with both of us working two jobs, the cost of Kiki’s surgeries and care has been overwhelming. If you’re able to donate or even just share Kiki’s story, it would truly mean the world to us. For those who know me, know that my dogs are my world and that I would do anything for them.