Veterinarian Bills From Emergency Spinal Surgery

Please join me in helping out my dear friends during this challenging time. Any support and contribution is truly appreciated to help Nicole Batino and Nick Moore care for Tucker on his long journey to recovery. This is a lifelong disease and an unfortunate change for our beloved Tucker. Please use the following link to Venmo them as well: https://venmo.com/u/Nicole-Batino and I will update the gofundme of all the donations made on Venmo.

This past Thanksgiving, he drastically lost movement in his hind legs and ultimately became paralyzed. He was taken to the ER and found that he had two herniated discs and has a lifetime condition of IVDD or Intervertebral disk disease. The only option for a chance for Tucker to walk and live a better life was surgery, and that was the best choice for Tucker. Without the surgery, Tucker would either need to be put down from all the pain he's going through or live a long, painful life paralyzed. With limited options and wanting the best for Tuck Tuck, Nicole and Nick decided to go through with the surgery. Tucker underwent surgery on Monday (11/28/22), and we are all so thankful that he came out with no complications. We are told that he has a high chance of recovery and the ability to walk again. Tucker's a strong pup, and we know that with therapy and love from all of us, he will get back on his paws again. His lifestyle will change to a slower pace, but he is given a second chance to live life and spread his loving soul with all of us for much longer.

Due to his case's urgency, the multiple ER stays, and his surgery came with a high price. His condition is costly and will continue to be a lifetime commitment. This was a very stressful time for Nicole because, as many of you know, especially her close family and friends, Tucker is her support animal and has helped her get through many hardships these past few years. Seeing Tucker become completely paralyzed broke her heart and they immediately took him to the ER late evening this past weekend and spent hours trying to make the right decisions for their baby boy. It was advised that he stay overnight to get the best chance of seeing a neurologist the next day because they felt that it was a neurological issue causing his paralysis. If they took him home that night, his chances of walking again would decrease to 50%. Not going through with the surgery would also lead to a 50% chance of him injuring another disc on his spine that could cause more paralysis and pain long-term. On top of that, if they took Tucker out of the ER, the next availability for a neurologist would not be until February of next year. Nicole did what any loving dog parent would do and got him the help he needed at the earliest time to increase his chances of a full recovery. The ER clinic was able to bump him up on the list to get an MRI and have his surgery scheduled the next day due to him being a high-risk patient. He then had to stay another night at the ER to monitor his vitals post-op. He thankfully came home today (11/29/22) but has a long recovery ahead of him. We are so very thankful for the constant communication, and fast transition of care Tucker received from SAGE Veterinary Center in Redwood City. The quick access to care will aid in his long journey to recovery.

Baby Tuck Tuck is filled with so much love from so many friends and family, hooman and fur friend. He has a warm heart and captures anyone's attention, giving lots of cuddles and asking for head scratches in return. He has a kind soul and will melt into your lap especially when you need it most. He is three years old, a shepherd mix breed, and the best companion to have on your side. He's one special boy who has spent the last three years living his life to the fullest and still has a long life ahead of him.

His parents, Nicole and Nick, took him on all sorts of adventures alongside his baby brother Kikko. He loves the outdoors, hiking, swimming, and especially going to the beach. Camping is his favorite because he can roam free and play fetch all day long. His life has touched so many of our friends' hearts and built memories with each one of us and with our own dogs.

Please donate, share, and send love and prayers to our Tuck Tuck as he works his way back to health. Thank you in advance for helping our beloved baby Tuck Tuck!

Sincerely,

Josue Quinonez