our biggie

It was December 17, 2020 – the day that changed our lives forever.  After all that came with 2020, no one could have expected that biggie - our fur baby, our world – would all of a sudden develop paralysis in his hind legs. With the advice of our local veterinary clinic in the small town of Bonnyville, AB we travelled the 2.5 hour trip to Edmonton, AB to another clinic which gave us the news that would shatter our hearts. Biggie was diagnosed with IVDD, and given a 30% chance of ever being able to walk again on his own. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a condition where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column either bulge or burst (herniate) into the spinal cord space. These discs then press on the nerves running through the spinal cord causing pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis. Biggie underwent emergency spinal surgery, and we are so incredibly grateful that the surgery was a success and despite spending several days in recovery at the clinic, he is at home with his loving family – where he belongs. Life isn’t the same, but we are adjusting and learning as we go. Biggie is confined to small areas (the size of a child’s pool) to ensure he rests and is unable to move around too much leading to further damage. Our little boy is resilient and learning to scoot around without the use of hind legs, with us beside him during this transitional stage in his life. Medical bills from this surgery has already amounted to over $7600, and with the long road of physical therapy ahead of us, and the cost of a custom wheelchair this number will quickly grow. Biggie has been our world since the day we brought him home, and there is nothing more we want than to give our little boy the best life possible.  I just want to thank you for taking the time to read Biggies story. We know that 2020 has been incredibly tough on so many people, but if you are able to donate anything, no matter how little, anything helps and we would be so incredibly grateful. -Ote, Maddy & Biggie