Help Daisy Walk Surgery Fund

Daisy's History

We adopted Daisy 14 months ago. She has filled our lives with unconditional love, kisses, and adventure. After 2 days in the house without an "adventure," Daisy gets riled up and lets us know it's time for a hike or swim and drive! We think Daisy is part Border Collie and part Hound, and 4 years old. She was rescued from a high-kill shelter in Kentucky just a day before she was scheduled to be killed. The next day she was at a rescue in Illinois, which was the same day we arranged to pick up a kitten. After locking eyes with her, we knew we had to bring her home, too. She has embraced her new life with me and my girlfriend, and her 2 best kitty friends, Oliver and Cheddar. For those who know us, Daisy is a part of our little family. For those who don't know us, I hope you can tell from all our photos.

Daisy's Love

Daisy is more to me than an adorable dog. I have had severe insomnia since I was 14 years old. After trying every medication possible and with many anxiety attacks behind me, Daisy's comfort has been better than any prescription. I have had a lot of medical issues, especially in the last year, and Daisy has been there to snuggle and give kisses at every corner. She has given me the peace and comfort to know that I can finish school without worrying about these problems.

Daisy's Pain

On the evening of Tuesday, July 7, Daisy seemed to have pain in her front leg and wouldn't eat. We took her to the river to lift her spirit, where she swam, and she ate when she got home. We thought she was feeling better. But, by Wednesday morning Daisy was breathing heavy and gasping in pain so we rushed her to the vet. She was treated with pain medication. I took a nap with her and when we woke up at 4pm Wednesday afternoon, she wouldn't use either of her back legs. She hasn't been able to use them since. This all happened within 24 hours. The vet has ruled out a tick-bourne illness, Coon Hound Paralysis, and her blood work is thankfully all good. This is pointing towards spinal compression. Currently, she is on steriods and resting in a crate so as not to cause spinal damage. We have to evacuate her bladder and bowels as long as she is paralyzed.

Daisy's Need

We just invested all of our funds into moving cross-country from Wisconsin to Oregon. I am returning to college to get degrees in Botany and Biology from Oregon State University. We don't have the funds to cover her MRI ($3,000) and her surgery ($3,000) plus hydrotherapy and medication. But, we can't let money stop us from trying to get her the surgery she needs. Our vet is confident that surgery would be successful with the disc that is affected (an MRI will show if it is slipped). She even got in touch with the head of Neurology from the OSU vet school, who examined her yesterday. Daisy has such a luminescent personality and we have no doubt she would be "ok" in a doggy cart, but seeing that tail wag again would just be a blessing. She is so young and vibrant and we have to try to help her. For best results, Daisy should receive surgery as soon as possible to limit the possibility of further damage. We could have Daisy scheduled for surgery on Monday, July 13.  We are hopeful that with just a little help from all of our friends, family, and our community that we will reach our goal by Monday! Thank you for your help and Daisy kisses for all!