Help Ryder Get the MRI & Treatment He Desperately Needs

Hi, my name is Bethany and I’m reaching out for help with my dog Ryder—my best friend, my soul dog, my everything.

A few weeks ago, Ryder suddenly started limping on his front right leg. As any worried dog parent would, I immediately checked for injuries or something stuck in his paw, and when I couldn’t find anything, we went straight to the vet. After bloodwork, X-rays, and an exam, we were told Ryder had mild degenerative joint disease (DJD) in his shoulders and possibly cervical IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease). He was put on medications and sent home for rest.

At his follow-up a few weeks later, Ryder seemed totally normal again. Just to be safe, we saw a neurologist—his neuro exam came back normal, too.

But not long after his medications ran out, the limping came back. This time on his other front leg accompanied by some slight slipping of his back paws. I was devastated. We rushed back to the neurologist, and again, the neuro exam showed nothing conclusive. They didn’t want to rush into an MRI yet, hoping a different round of meds would help him recover without surgery.

But here’s where things took an even worse turn.

In the middle of all this, Ryder had a separate emergency and had to undergo an endoscopy after multiple vet visits and hospitalization. That ordeal alone cost over $7,000. Now, I’m at a crossroads—his MRI and surgery (if needed) are estimated to cost $13,476, and I’ve exhausted every option I have. I’ve applied for CareCredit, personal loans, credit cards—everything I can think of—and keep getting denied.

If you know dachshunds, you know how deeply they attach to their people. Ryder isn’t just my dog. He’s my shadow, my joy, my safe place. I want to give him every chance to live a full, healthy life—but I can’t do it alone anymore.

I’m humbly asking for help from anyone who’s willing to support Ryder’s journey toward healing. Whether you can donate $5 or $500, every little bit adds up and brings us closer to getting Ryder the care he needs. Sharing this with your friends, family, or social media would mean the world to us.

This will go directly toward:

From the bottom of my heart—thank you. For reading, for sharing, for donating, for loving Ryder even if you’ve never met him. He’s got so much more love and life left to give.

With gratitude and hope,

Bethany & Ryder