Hi, my name is Rachel and I’m humbly asking for help for our beloved dog Theo (Theodore), he’s our 4 year old spoodle, who has suddenly become paralysed in his back legs. This has completely shocked our family.

Just this morning, Theo was perfectly fine running around, happy, playful and normal. Then without warning, he collapsed and lost use of his back legs. We rushed him to the emergency vet, where he was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) a sudden disc rupture pressing on his spinal cord. His is a worst case scenario, a level 5 and desperately needs surgery asap. 

The vet explained that this can happen without any injury or visible cause. One moment they’re fine the next, the nerves are compressed and the back legs simply stop working.

Right now, Theo cannot walk at all. He’s trying to move and dragging his back legs, confused and distressed. Surgery is his best chance of ever walking again.

The estimated cost for the spinal surgery, imaging, hospitalisation, pain medication and recovery is up to $20,000 I honestly cannot afford this on my own, and every donation even the smallest will go directly toward Theo’s medical care. I have pet insurance but I have been told it doesn’t cover this specialist surgery.

Theo is not “just a dog.”

He is family.

My 4 children have grown up with him playing, cuddling, sharing snacks, sleeping beside him. He has been their friend, their comfort, and their constant companion. They are absolutely devastated and just want their best friend to have a chance to walk and live normally again.

Even $5 helps.

If you can’t donate, sharing this fundraiser helps just as much.

Thank you so much for reading, for caring, and for giving Theo hope. I will provide updates throughout his treatment and recovery including vet reports and progress as we fight to give him the best chance of healing.