Hello, my name is Skyla.

Three years ago, my boyfriend and I met a dog who completely changed our lives. Someone on Facebook was looking to rehome their dog because he was “just too much.” Without hesitation, we brought him home.

He didn’t come to us as Scooby — he came to us as “Banjo.” He was extremely underweight, but full of excitement and love. His first meal disappeared in seconds, as if he didn’t know when the next one would come. It was clear he had experienced things we’ll never fully understand. We decided then that his past would stay behind him, and that’s how Scooby became our baby.

Scooby is estimated to be about four years old. He loves to play, especially in the snow. He eats calmly now because he knows he’s safe. We like to say we rescued Scooby, but the truth is, he saved us. He was never “too much.” He just needed unconditional love.

On December 29th, everything changed.

We brought Scooby to urgent care thinking he had injured his right paw. Within days, our happy, energetic boy could no longer walk on his own. We did what we could immediately while applying for financial assistance and hoping rest and medication would help.

On January 16th, Scooby was diagnosed with discospondylitis, a rare and painful spinal infection. He was then transferred to Ocean State Veterinary Specialists.

We were told that the full recommended diagnostics, including advanced imaging to determine how far the infection has spread, could cost $8,000–$12,000. While we are doing everything possible as a team, these costs are more than we can manage alone. Scooby is currently hospitalized for 48–72 hours receiving IV antibiotics and supportive care in hopes of controlling the infection and keeping him comfortable.

If you know us, you know Scooby is our entire world. He walks us to the door when we leave and greets us when we come home. He gently watches over our nephews and loves everyone he meets. Right now, he’s the one who needs protecting.

Scooby isn’t “just a dog.” He is our first baby and a part of our family. Asking for help is not easy, but we are doing everything we can to give him the chance he deserves.

Any donation, share, or kind thought means more than we can express. Thank you for taking the time to read Scooby’s story and for standing with us.