My name is Jo, and I’m the guardian of Luna — a beautiful, gentle 2-year-old Bergamasco who means the world to me.
Luna has been battling an undiagnosed neurological condition since she was a puppy. After months of specialist consultations, diagnostics, and countless sleepless nights watching her in pain, we finally have an answer. Luna’s neurologist has reviewed her MRI and diagnosed her with a tethered spinal cord (TCS) — a serious condition where the spinal cord is abnormally attached, causing painful stretching, nerve damage, and loss of bladder and bowel control.
Luna now requires urgent spinal surgery (untethering) to prevent irreversible nerve damage and to relieve her constant pain. Without surgery, her condition will continue to deteriorate.
Despite already spending over $10,000 on specialist visits, medications, and diagnostic imaging, I cannot cover the upcoming surgery and rehabilitation on my own. The estimated cost of the surgery, hospitalisation, and recovery will be at least another $10,000–$15,000, and Luna will need ongoing rehabilitation afterwards.
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Our Goal
We are aiming to raise funds to cover:
- Specialist spinal surgery (detethering procedure)
- Hospitalisation and pain management
- Rehabilitation and follow-up
Every dollar helps Luna get one step closer to a life without pain.
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Luna’s Story
Luna has always been a bright, loving, and social dog — full of energy and curiosity. But over the past year, her health has declined rapidly. She now spends her nights writhing in pain, unable to sleep or get comfortable. Her nerves are so affected that she has lost control of her bladder and bowel.
Despite her suffering, Luna still greets me every morning with a wag and determination that breaks my heart. She wants to live — she just needs this surgery to have a chance.
As a registered nurse, I’m ready and able to care for Luna intensively through her recovery — monitoring her, managing her pain, and supporting her rehab at home. But I can’t perform surgery, and I can’t do this without help.
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How You Can Help
• Donate — even $5 makes a difference.
• Share Luna’s story widely — your share might reach the person who can make this surgery possible.
• Leave a message of support — every word means the world to us.
Time is critical. Luna’s condition is progressing, and she needs this surgery as soon as possible to prevent permanent nerve damage and end her pain.
Thank you for reading Luna’s story, and for giving her the chance to live the pain-free, joyful life she deserves.
With love and gratitude,
Jo & Luna