My dog Joy, just five years old, suddenly lost the use of her back legs while running after her chuck it ball at the park with my nephew and mother. She has always been my protector, once saving me from a coyote and another time from a home intruder. She has a little personal grudge against poodles and puppies but is otherwise the sweetest dog you could ever meet. I am doing everything I can for her long recovery alone but the costs of her MRI, physiotherapy, and transportation are overwhelming. If you cannot donate, just sharing her story would mean the world because Joy truly deserves the world.

Hi, I am Fiama and Joy has been my heart, my protector, and my constant companion for years. She has lived an incredibly active life hiking with me, playing basketball and soccer, taking long early-morning and late-night walks, and walking with me to work and back every day for three years. She comforts my bedridden father with MS, is gentle with children, and is adored by everyone who meets her. She has even been featured on CBC Marketplace and we share our adventures on Instagram and TikTok.

Last Sunday everything changed. Joy’s back legs gave out suddenly while running after the chuck it ball and I realized she had no function in them. She weighs over 70 pounds and I could not carry her alone. A kind woman helped me get her out of the heat while my brother ran to get the car. On the way to the clinic her temperature rose to 40.7°C from heat exhaustion.

At VEC the doctors said it could be a blood clot/spinal stroke, or herniated disc. She was monitored overnight on the ER floor. The next day she was transferred to AHP for a neurology consultation and MRI. The MRI confirmed ANNPE, acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion. This is a sudden spinal injury where the disc hits the spinal cord, causing bruising and swelling, like a spinal concussion. It happens instantly, is extremely painful, and can cause sudden paralysis. Recovery depends on time, care, and intensive physiotherapy.

The MRI alone was nearly $4,5000 and my VEC bill was almost $2,000 even with my staff discount. I am so blessed by the amazing vets and staff who have gone above and beyond for her, including maybe lending me a wheelchair to help with her care. But the road ahead is long and the costs are overwhelming. Joy now needs physiotherapy three times a week at $150 per session plus tax, and transportation is a huge challenge. Uber Pet often declines her because of her size so I am exploring other ride options and dog transport chairs.

I live in an apartment with seven flights of stairs and no elevator, my body is broken from gout, and over the past few months, my role has been caregiver for my father because my mom recently had emergency surgery after being out of the country. My twin sister works full-time and my brother lives in Barrie. I have been out of work for months managing my health and caring for my family. I am unbelievably tired and stressed and doing this almost entirely alone.

Joy is five years old and she did not deserve this. She saved me from danger, gave me endless joy and love, and now I need to fight for her. Any donation, big or small, will go directly toward her bills, physiotherapy, transportation, and ongoing recovery. If you cannot donate, please share her story. Thank you for helping me fight for my baby. Joy truly deserves the world.

Fiama and Joy ❤️