I've started this GoFundMe on behalf of my lifelong friend, Tia, her family, and their dog, Bruiser. Bruiser was just diagnosed with IVDD.

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in dogs is a condition where the discs between vertebrae in the spinal column either bulge or burst, causing compression and damage to the spinal cord. This can result in pain, mobility issues, and even paralysis.

Bruiser will be 6 in November. He's lived with them his whole life. He loves snuggling with their son, Jayvyn, and napping in the sun. While this breed is notorious for back problems, this came on rather fast.

I have personally dealt with this disease with one of my family member's dogs. Unfortunately, many times, owners are given two options: euthanize or a $10,000 surgery that may not work. My family member's dog I'm referring to was predicted to never walk again or have a happy life. After six months of physical therapy, she was walking again and thriving! This was several years ago, and you'd never guess she had once had a death sentence.

I'm hoping to help raise some of the money necessary to pay for magnet therapy, water therapy, acupuncture, Chinese powder, and pain management medication for Bruiser, as well as to ease the financial burden on his family. They will also need to frequently travel for his therapy.

Sharing their story and any monetary donation will help this sweet dog and his family. Thank you.