I am writing this with tears in my eyes. This is not the kind of thing I ever imagined myself doing, and it breaks my heart to even be in this position. But right now, my dog Maya needs help that I just can’t give her alone.

Maya is my 7-year-old German Shepherd, my best friend, and my family. She is loyal, playful, and one of the happiest, most outgoing dogs you could ever meet. She brings joy to everyone she sees, tail wagging, eyes bright, always ready to make a new friend and play.

About two weeks ago the most terrifying thing happened, Maya suddenly began losing function in her right back leg. One moment she was walking normally, and the next, she was falling over and dragging her back legs. After rushing her to the vet, we heard the words no pet parent ever wants to hear: Maya has IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) a serious spinal condition that can quickly lead to permanent paralysis.

Right now, she cannot walk on her own and her right hind leg is becoming weaker each day. But she still tries. She still moves it. She still scratches when I scratch her. We do everything we can for her, everything in our life has been put on the back burner and yet she still drags herself around in hopes that her leg will start working again. She does all of this because her spirit is still there. Her spark, her emotional strength, her will to live. She’s fighting, and she’s showing me every day that it’s not her time.

The vet told me that she needs to go to the emergency hospital, get an

MRI, and likely require urgent spinal surgery to have a real chance at walking again.

The estimated cost is around $25,000.

Maya is currently on anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatories, and pain medication but the vet made it clear that medication alone might not be enough. If we wait too long, her chances of ever walking again will decrease, and the damage could become permanent.

I know how big and scary this number is.. for me it means life or death for my best friend, so you or anyone you know are able to donate... even a small amount it brings Maya one step closer to getting the care she urgently needs and it would mean the world to my family and I who are just not ready to lose such a young and happy soul. If you cannot donate, sharing it means just as much to us.