Support Service Dog Chrome's recovery one step at a time.
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My name is Sara, and this is my service dog, Chrome. For the past nine years, Chrome has been more than just a service dog — he’s been my constant companion, my lifeline, and a source of strength through every high and low. As a trained service dog, Chrome has helped me manage medical challenges and given me the freedom to live a fuller, more independent life.
On the morning of August 12, 2024, after returning from our usual walk, Chrome suddenly couldn’t get up to eat his breakfast. I helped him to his feet, but he collapsed. I knew something was terribly wrong. After rushing him to the emergency vet, followed by a neurologist and an MRI, I received news no handler ever wants to hear: Chrome had suffered an acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion — in simple terms, a bruised spinal cord. The vet explained it may have been triggered by something as ordinary as jumping off the couch.
The injury caused complete paralysis in Chrome’s back legs. The neurologist explained that, with time and healing, there was hope he would regain use of them as the spinal bruising subsided. However, the left side of his spine had sustained more significant trauma and would likely take longer to heal.
Following the neurologist’s guidance, Chrome began physical therapy in September 2024. With steady effort and a lot of prayer, he’s made remarkable progress — he’s regained use of his right back leg and has partial use of his left. We celebrate every step, no matter how small.
But while these milestones have been a blessing, they haven’t come without challenges. Chrome’s recovery has also brought complications that remind me daily just how fragile yet resilient he is. Although Chrome regained use of his right leg, his recovery hasn’t been without setbacks. Because his left leg never fully healed, his right leg had to overcompensate — bearing more weight and strain than it should. As a result, he’s now experiencing extreme fatigue and signs of possible injury in that leg.
August 12th will mark one year since Chrome’s back legs became paralyzed. And while his progress has been nothing short of a miracle, we now face new challenges in this journey. His left leg remains extremely weak, and continued physical therapy is essential.
Chrome needs a follow-up assessment with the neurologist and a new MRI to better understand his current condition and guide his ongoing care. I continue to trust that God is walking with us — one step, one day at a time — and I’m so grateful for those who are walking with us too.
This past year has been both physically and emotionally exhausting for Chrome and me. The kind of advanced care he needs is costly, and as much as I wish I could manage it all on my own, I’m humbly reaching out for support. Donations will help ease the burden of medical expenses already incurred and support the continued care Chrome still needs on his journey to recovery.
Every share, every dollar, and every prayer is a blessing and so greatly appreciated. It’s hard to put into words just how much Chrome has given me over the years. He’s carried me through battles both seen and unseen. Offering strength, peace, and unconditional love. And now, despite his own physical challenges, Chrome has never stopped having my back.
Now, it’s my turn to show up for him in this chapter of healing. Thank you for your prayers, your generosity, and for helping me give back to the dog who’s given me everything.
With our sincerest gratitude,
Sara & Service Dog Chrome
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
– Isaiah 40:31
On the morning of August 12, 2024, after returning from our usual walk, Chrome suddenly couldn’t get up to eat his breakfast. I helped him to his feet, but he collapsed. I knew something was terribly wrong. After rushing him to the emergency vet, followed by a neurologist and an MRI, I received news no handler ever wants to hear: Chrome had suffered an acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion — in simple terms, a bruised spinal cord. The vet explained it may have been triggered by something as ordinary as jumping off the couch.
The injury caused complete paralysis in Chrome’s back legs. The neurologist explained that, with time and healing, there was hope he would regain use of them as the spinal bruising subsided. However, the left side of his spine had sustained more significant trauma and would likely take longer to heal.
Following the neurologist’s guidance, Chrome began physical therapy in September 2024. With steady effort and a lot of prayer, he’s made remarkable progress — he’s regained use of his right back leg and has partial use of his left. We celebrate every step, no matter how small.
But while these milestones have been a blessing, they haven’t come without challenges. Chrome’s recovery has also brought complications that remind me daily just how fragile yet resilient he is. Although Chrome regained use of his right leg, his recovery hasn’t been without setbacks. Because his left leg never fully healed, his right leg had to overcompensate — bearing more weight and strain than it should. As a result, he’s now experiencing extreme fatigue and signs of possible injury in that leg.
August 12th will mark one year since Chrome’s back legs became paralyzed. And while his progress has been nothing short of a miracle, we now face new challenges in this journey. His left leg remains extremely weak, and continued physical therapy is essential.
Chrome needs a follow-up assessment with the neurologist and a new MRI to better understand his current condition and guide his ongoing care. I continue to trust that God is walking with us — one step, one day at a time — and I’m so grateful for those who are walking with us too.
This past year has been both physically and emotionally exhausting for Chrome and me. The kind of advanced care he needs is costly, and as much as I wish I could manage it all on my own, I’m humbly reaching out for support. Donations will help ease the burden of medical expenses already incurred and support the continued care Chrome still needs on his journey to recovery.
Every share, every dollar, and every prayer is a blessing and so greatly appreciated. It’s hard to put into words just how much Chrome has given me over the years. He’s carried me through battles both seen and unseen. Offering strength, peace, and unconditional love. And now, despite his own physical challenges, Chrome has never stopped having my back.
Now, it’s my turn to show up for him in this chapter of healing. Thank you for your prayers, your generosity, and for helping me give back to the dog who’s given me everything.
With our sincerest gratitude,
Sara & Service Dog Chrome
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
– Isaiah 40:31
Organizer
Sara Doxey
Organizer
Fredericksburg, VA