Donation protected
"A Dachshund may be the smallest of the hound breeds, but he is undeniably the biggest in Spirit."
I want to be clear that if the tables were turned, I would never create a fundraiser for myself. This entire campaign is for the animal, Big, in need of real medical help.
7 years ago at the age of 21 I made the rash decision to purchase a dachshund puppy from a mall pet store, against all better judgement, due to combination of instant inexplicable love and young, foolish impulse. I have since made the commitment to never again support an industry as so often cruel as pet stores, but regardless, was able to find Big, the most rewarding & unconditional love from another living being that I have ever known.
Two days prior to me creating this campaign, Big accompanied me on a short hike, typical as any other. Halfway through the hike I attempted to pick him up, only for him to yelp in pain. He suddenly became lethargic and his condition continued to progress over the next 8 hours. Eventually by night fall he was limping severely, partially paralyzed in his back left leg, and in noticeable and extreme discomfort. I decided to give him the night to rest, but when I awoke the next morning for his typical daily routine, it was obvious he needed emergency care. Situatonally, this event could not have come at a worse time. Despite my low funds I rushed him to the ER vet where he underwent an exam that cost me every last penny and was diagnosed with a hereditary condition called IVDD or "degenerative disc disease" that effects at least 25% of all dachshunds. In short, this disease is the breakdown of the jelly-like discs that exist between each vertebrae along the spine, allowing for the necessary protection of crucial and essential nerves within his spinal cord. The injury can result in anywhere from moderate to severe pain, and at worst, complete paralysis of the animal's lower body. This means he will never walk again on his own, and likely not able to control all bowel movements. His quality of life will decline greatly. At this moment, Big is between stage 3 & 4 of a stage 1-5 condition. He still has a 50/50 chance of recovery and even greater chance if I can somehow afford to get him the medical care he needs to have the best outcome possible.
With all of that being said, Big has not only been an absolute quirky weirdo light of my life, but has brought SO much joy and love to others. Since the average Dachshund lifespan is 12-14 years, with 20 years being more possible than you would think, at age 7 he has almost double his current life still ahead of him, and I am desperately trying to do all that I can to give this to him. All in all, an X-ray, MRI, Spinal Tap, and worst case scenario a spinal surgery necessary to relieve the pressure that is causing fluid to leak into his spinal cord and therefor causing paralysis will cost a grand total of, hopefully, 6,500 at the very most. I absolutely only want to raise enough to pay for direct medical procedures, and will end the fundraiser as soon as he has reached enough help to recover.
I don't like to admit or ask for help when it is needed, but when it comes to an animal, especially my absolute best friend in the world, all pride and dignity is out the window. Thank you SO so much for taking the time from your busy lives, to read this, all help in any way BIG or small, is profoundly appreciated.
I want to be clear that if the tables were turned, I would never create a fundraiser for myself. This entire campaign is for the animal, Big, in need of real medical help.
7 years ago at the age of 21 I made the rash decision to purchase a dachshund puppy from a mall pet store, against all better judgement, due to combination of instant inexplicable love and young, foolish impulse. I have since made the commitment to never again support an industry as so often cruel as pet stores, but regardless, was able to find Big, the most rewarding & unconditional love from another living being that I have ever known.
Two days prior to me creating this campaign, Big accompanied me on a short hike, typical as any other. Halfway through the hike I attempted to pick him up, only for him to yelp in pain. He suddenly became lethargic and his condition continued to progress over the next 8 hours. Eventually by night fall he was limping severely, partially paralyzed in his back left leg, and in noticeable and extreme discomfort. I decided to give him the night to rest, but when I awoke the next morning for his typical daily routine, it was obvious he needed emergency care. Situatonally, this event could not have come at a worse time. Despite my low funds I rushed him to the ER vet where he underwent an exam that cost me every last penny and was diagnosed with a hereditary condition called IVDD or "degenerative disc disease" that effects at least 25% of all dachshunds. In short, this disease is the breakdown of the jelly-like discs that exist between each vertebrae along the spine, allowing for the necessary protection of crucial and essential nerves within his spinal cord. The injury can result in anywhere from moderate to severe pain, and at worst, complete paralysis of the animal's lower body. This means he will never walk again on his own, and likely not able to control all bowel movements. His quality of life will decline greatly. At this moment, Big is between stage 3 & 4 of a stage 1-5 condition. He still has a 50/50 chance of recovery and even greater chance if I can somehow afford to get him the medical care he needs to have the best outcome possible.
With all of that being said, Big has not only been an absolute quirky weirdo light of my life, but has brought SO much joy and love to others. Since the average Dachshund lifespan is 12-14 years, with 20 years being more possible than you would think, at age 7 he has almost double his current life still ahead of him, and I am desperately trying to do all that I can to give this to him. All in all, an X-ray, MRI, Spinal Tap, and worst case scenario a spinal surgery necessary to relieve the pressure that is causing fluid to leak into his spinal cord and therefor causing paralysis will cost a grand total of, hopefully, 6,500 at the very most. I absolutely only want to raise enough to pay for direct medical procedures, and will end the fundraiser as soon as he has reached enough help to recover.
I don't like to admit or ask for help when it is needed, but when it comes to an animal, especially my absolute best friend in the world, all pride and dignity is out the window. Thank you SO so much for taking the time from your busy lives, to read this, all help in any way BIG or small, is profoundly appreciated.
Organizer
Indigo Samantha
Organizer
Schenectady, NY