Hi, my name is Shelby. I’m a little out of my comfort zone making this, but after multiple suggestions from friends, I decided that I needed to go ahead and create this for my beloved Aussie, Rider, to give her a chance.

Rider is my Australian Shepherd and I’ve raised her since she was a puppy. I got her right after my boyfriend passed away from a head injury playing college football; she is named after his high school. I needed something to pour my love into after having my heart shattered.

She was recently diagnosed with Laryngeal Disease/Paralysis after frightening episodes where she struggled to breathe. She had a traumatizing crisis last week where she collapsed, was in distress, flailing her legs around and could not inhale for 10-15 seconds. She has since been on multiple medications, including a tranquilizer for this and while they have allowed me to very slowly walk her outside to potty once a day in the cooler weather, she still struggles to breathe and they also make her feel very lethargic and unlike herself. I can only attempt to take her out when it is cold outside. I have had to turn around and go back inside if she is having shortness of breath. Come hotter months, without this surgery, she will not make it.

I’ve gotten two opinions from different vets, and they both recommended a surgery called Arytenoid Laryngoplasty or put her down. Only specialist veterinary surgeons can/will perform this, hence the price. This the only thing that will correct her Larynx and give her quality of life back. But, this specific surgery costs $3,000 and I simply cannot afford that as I recently started a new job. This is my only option to be able to pay for the surgery. Both veterinarians told me if she does not have this procedure done ASAP that she WILL have another crisis and will not be able to catch her breath like she did the last time and will die . She will not make it to summer without this surgery as it gets so hot and humid in Texas.

The vets have given me only two options: this surgery ASAP, or put her to sleep so that she is not suffering. Putting off this surgery is not an option, because she could have another crisis that she doesn’t make it out of. I just cannot justify putting her down and not getting the surgery solely because I don’t have the funds. The success rate for this surgery is very high and the benefits far outweigh the risks. The vets are certain this surgery will give her more wonderful years ahead and the quality of life she had before this disease. As of right now, she cannot chew her bones or play with toys. I must keep her calm at all times, which is not quality of life for a dog.

Any little bit you could donate to help me achieve this goal so that I can book the surgery ASAP, would be greatly appreciated and beyond. If you could also share this on social media or with anyone you know, that would mean so much. Like most of you pet owners know, they are so much more than just our pets. They are our family and I cannot imagine not having Rider in my life. She and my Pomeranian ranger are attached at the hip and become anxious when separated.

Thank you for reading my story!