Help Zara do zoomies again.

Zara has been the healthiest furbaby, the forever puppy, happy, playful and full of love and energy for all the humans and fellow Italian Greyhound friends. She has a quirky, crazy, infectious character you simply can't resist.

Earlier this year Zara started getting a stiff back, she couldn't do a full body shake, and she could not jump or run. Each time this would happen we took her to the vet and had regular Bowen Therapy. Her symptoms improved each time to a full recovery, so it was deemed to be caused by her "puppy behaviour" and crazy antics in the garden. The episodes got closer together and more severe until her last episode three weeks ago.

Three weeks ago Zara became lame, her back legs crossing over, struggling to walk or jump. This was much more severe than her previous flare-ups, she also had a watery eye.

With my partner out of the country to attend to her mother's final affairs in the UK. I had to take over Zara's care alone, while running a small business. Her symptoms got better or worse each day, but her health was definitely on a steady decline. The vets guessed a neurological issue, but when a watery eye threw a curved ball, they headed into a series of incorrect medications and diagnoses that cost us $3000 and three weeks.

Today we finally got some answers, from Dr Ziggy (Ophthalmologist) and Dr Fleur (Internal Medicine). Zara has a neurological condition most probably caused by an auto-immune disease. The next step to fully diagnose would be an MRI ($4000) and a Spinal Tap ($1900). There is no way I can afford the MRI, but I feel the Spinal Tap will help us get a clearer picture. Dr Fleur is very concerned for Zara's welfare and wants to act ASAP given how quickly she is progressing.

Up to today, I have spent just under $4000 of my savings. We cancelled Zara's pet insurance in Januar, as we had taken it out when she was 12 weeks old, and 8 yrs later we'd barely ever used it. As a small business owner, the rising costs of living were making it hard to justify this ongoing cost. So it made sense to cancel it. Isn't that always the way?!?

We are not hoping for funds for the MRI, as that is just too costly, but trying to get some help to pay for the Spinal Tap and subsequent vet bills to give Zara the best possible chance to get back on her feet and return to the happy, crazy 8 yr old puppy she was three weeks ago.

Forever grateful x