We are fundraising for our beautiful boy, Hugo — a 7-year-old dog with the biggest heart and the gentlest soul. He’s been a huge part of our family since the day we brought him home, and anyone who’s met him knows how loving, loyal and full of life he is.

On Thursday morning, our world was turned upside down. Hugo woke up and couldn’t move his back legs. He had also lost control of his bladder and bowels. We rushed him straight to the vets, where we were given the devastating news that he had IVDD (herniated discs) — a serious spinal condition. Without emergency surgery, he would be in unbearable pain and would never walk again.

He was taken straight in for a four-hour emergency operation to relieve the pressure on his spinal cord and give him the best chance of walking again. It was the hardest wait of our lives, but Hugo made it through the surgery. He’s now recovering at the vets, stable and eating again — showing the same fighting spirit he’s always had. But we know he’s got a long, difficult road ahead and are holding onto hope that we will one day see him running around again.

The total cost of Hugo’s surgery and hospital care is £8,500. His insurance has only covered £3,000, and my parents have managed to pay £2,000 themselves. That leaves us with £3,500 still to find, just to cover the operation that saved his life.

Once Hugo is discharged, he’ll need hydrotherapy and physiotherapy to help him regain strength and (we pray) walk again. The length of this treatment is unknown, but it will be essential for his recovery.

We’re doing everything we can for him, but we really need help. Any donation — no matter how small — will go directly towards his surgery costs and rehabilitation. If we’re lucky enough to raise more than our goal, every extra penny will go towards Hugo’s ongoing treatment and care.

Hugo isn’t just a pet — he’s family. We can’t imagine life without him, and we’re determined to give him the best possible chance of walking again and living the happy, pain-free life he deserves.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for reading Hugo’s story and for any support, shares, or kind words you can give. ❤️