UPDATE: Thank you for all the very kind donations. As you will know from the last update, Rio is no longer with us but has joined all the other beautiful fur angels in the spirit world. There was nothing more that could be done to help him regain his ability to walk, so the very difficult decision had to be made to say goodbye to this gentle, loving soul. May he now be free from pain, free to run and at peace. This page is now closed. Thank you again for the support to Param and family and for having had the hope and prayers alongside us.

message from Param Karir

Rio’s Journey – Diagnosis, Treatment & Gratitude

Hi everyone — I wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who has supported Rio and our family over the past few days. Your donations, shares, and kind messages have genuinely meant the world to us, and I honestly can’t describe how much it’s helped — emotionally and practically.

As some of you may know, Rio has now been diagnosed with HNPE (Hydrated Nucleus Pulposus Extrusion) — a rare spinal condition where a sudden movement forces fluid from a disc in his spine into the spinal canal, bruising the spinal cord and affecting his ability to move. The good news is, the MRI showed no need for surgery right now. The vets believe the fluid can be naturally reabsorbed over time, and there’s still hope that Rio could recover function with rest, medication, and physiotherapy.

At the moment, Rio has no feeling or movement in any of his limbs. It’s been incredibly hard to see him like this, but he is stable, receiving round-the-clock care, and has begun early rehab efforts. We’re holding on to hope and taking it one day at a time — the vets say recovery can take time, and we’re doing everything we can to give him that chance.

What We’ve Paid So Far

This journey has already cost over £7,000, which includes:

• £1,200 – Emergency vet visit

• £500 – Specialist consultation

• £4,000 – Full spinal MRI

• £1,800 – 3 days of 24/7 hospital care, medication & therapy

This is exactly why the GoFundMe was created — because without it, I was facing heartbreaking decisions no pet owner should have to make. I can only try to give him the best chance possible with the help you’ve all so kindly given us.

We’re still on a long road ahead, but thanks to you, Rio is getting the care and comfort he needs. Every penny you’ve donated has made that even more possible.

I’ll keep posting updates as we go. Thank you for being part of Rio’s journey and for giving him a fighting chance.

With love and gratitude,

Param

Urgent: Help Save Rio – Our Gentle Akita Needs Life-Saving Surgery Now

Rio, our beautiful and gentle Akita, needs your help – and he needs it fast.

In just a few days, Rio has lost all feeling in all his legs. He can no longer stand, walk, or even control his bladder. Vets believe there is a very good chance of a full recovery – but only if he has scans and life-saving surgery immediately.

The cost of these scans and surgery runs into thousands of pounds. Sadly, Rio’s insurance won’t cover it, and there is no payment plan available. The only thing standing between him and a second chance at life is money – and time is running out.

I am raising funds on behalf of my nephew, who is devastated. With young children to care for, this sudden expense is impossible for him to cover alone. Rio is not “just a dog” – he is family. He is his constant companion, his best friend, and the gentlest, most loving soul you could ever meet.

Anyone who has met Rio knows how special he is. Always patient, always kind, always there with a wagging tail. His family are heartbroken watching him suffer and terrified of losing him when there is hope – if we can act quickly.

Please, if you can donate – even a few pounds – you could help save Rio’s life. Every single donation gets us closer to giving him the surgery and care he needs tomorrow.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading, sharing, and helping us fight for Rio.