*Please read our updates as his story has changed a lot. If any one has ideas of what could be going on for him please message me, especially if you are a vet, or have had any personal experiences with similar symptoms.*

Hi, my name is Hanna. Friday morning June 27th my rescued 18-month miniature poodle/toy wire fox terrier, Nikola, jumped off the couch from my lap and suddenly started limping. At first I thought he just hurt his leg but when we took him to my local vet they said he may have broken his back or neck. His back right leg suddenly went stiff, and by the time I got him to the vet, all four limbs became paralyzed. He can't sit or stand. We thought he may need an operation but the major vet hospitals around here said they won't operate on a puppy, or wouldn't that weekend : ( and even if they did, the operation is very expensive.

My regular vet sent him home with pain meds and steroids. They said there's a slight possibility that it will help because their X-ray wasn't conclusive in an area of his neck that I guess is hard to xray. Through the initial sharing of this fundraiser I was able to take him to UW Vet School Clinic where we learned he has inflammation in his spinal cord and spinal fluid. We are unsure of the cause and waiting for a few more tests.

Currently, I need to raise money to get him accommodations to help him recover and walk again. He is reliant on me to eat, and hold him to drink, potty, and move him so he doesn't get bed sores. Although I am committed to his care, this is incredible labor intensive. In one week I've lost 15lbs and I'm so sore all over. I've been sleeping on the floor with him and crouching down to help him go through the motion to "run" back and forth in the place he usually goes potty. He very much wants to go for a walk but there's no way I could hold him this way for any longer. I'm now hoping to reach a goal of $3,000 so I can get a pet stroller and 4 wheeled cart. The stroller would enable me to have him with me around the house and not deadlift him from the ground, (He's 26lbs) or go for walks so we could both de-stress and get out of the house. The cart would allow him to be supported when going outside to use the bathroom and would help him retain and build strength in his limbs. It would also give him the huge boost of being a bit independent.

We were in training for him to be a Psychiatrist Service Dog, and he was doing great. He's helped me in so many ways with my anxiety and PTSD.

As a rescue, he's come so far and I won't give up on him. This little guy is absolutely my life and baby. After going through IVF to have a child and having to stop, I thought I finally had my little one. I can't imagine losing him. I'm trying to quickly raise money to get him whatever help I can. If you can contribute anything, please do. If you're not able to contribute, please pray or send healing for Nikola. With deep gratitude, Hanna