Surgery For My Grizzly Bear

Please help my dog Bear! In 2010, fresh off of a deployment to Iraq, I needed a sense of purpose in my life. Something that would inspire me to better myself, to wake up everyday and to continue to make a difference in this world. Bear was my little 9 week old miracle in that way. He inspires me every day to do my best and has been my shadow ever since. From the time when he could fit between my feet to take a nap, to the time he hit 100 pounds and his name fit his stature, he has been there. He has seen me through a lot of difficult times, joblessness, college, house difficulties, car difficulties, and everything in between. He’s been there. Resting his head on my knee during stressful days, caring for me. And the good times too. Watching over his little cousins as they grew, keeping his grandma and grandpa company, walks, hikes, trips to the lake, training. Growing into the giant sweetheart he is, imprinting himself on almost everyone who meets him, he has always been there.  3 months ago, Bear was diagnosed with Wobblers syndrome and two bulging discs in his neck and lower back. I came home from work and he was painfully shaking and did not want to be touched. After spending thousands of dollars at the ER thanks to the generosity of family to get an MRI, ultrasound, and x-rays, I put him on pain medication to manage the diagnosis until I could afford surgery, which seemed to help. However, 4 days ago Bear threw me a curveball, he began to lose control of his bladder and was struggling to use his back legs to stand up or use them at all. Another thousand dollars later in ER costs, I was told by the vet that the Wobblers syndrome and bulging discs were the cause of the bladder problems and that my options are surgery or to consider putting him down if more meds and manually expressing his bladder didn’t help, or if I could not afford it. We went home and I just looked at him. I saw his smile that just never goes away. His personality was like it always has been, even in spite of what he’s going through, and that told me he has more to give in this life and that this can be overcome. I said, well old man, I’m down to my last few bucks and it’s not looking good, but there is nothing I won’t try for you. It’s been him and I since the beginning and I owe it to him to try. The Army drove home many things for me. Including one of our military mantras. One that I carry with me always. Never quit, never leave a fallen comrade. Well this is me not quitting and not leaving behind my best friend. So I am reaching out, hoping for your kindness to help me to try to get my boy back! Anything you can give helps, and know that even though I may not know you, whatever you can spare, I will be eternally thankful for you and the time you took to read this, donate, and that you got to know a little about my boy and what he means to me. Spinal disc surgery cost is estimated at 5000 dollars. That is my goal. Any medicinal or after care costs are unknown and I am just extremely grateful to receive any assistance at all with this. Thank you all so much for your willingness to help!