Help Duke walk again
Eleven years ago my beautiful boy Duke came into my life and has been saving me every day since. With your help, I hope to return the favor. So here’s our story…
My name is Bailey and I'm a “mom” to two fur babies! Zeus who is a 70lb 6yro pointer mix and Duke who is a 100lb 12yro mastiff mix. They are my service animals, therapists, cuddle buddies, outdoor adventure partners, best friends, and loves of my life! I owe so much of who I am to them, they protect and challenge me everyday. They have shown me unconditional love, acceptance, and forgiveness. They make me laugh and comfort me when I cry. When I thought I might lose one of them a week ago my heart broke in a way that I can’t describe. I know this day will sadly come, but not now and not like this. He deserves better.
Both my boys are incredible. And as much as I love my water obsessed munchkin who, while being 6 years old, will perpetually be “the puppy”. Today I’m going to tell you about my almost 13 year old mommas boy, Duke. Born in October but terrified of pumpkins. Never rips his toys but surely will bring you his favorite if you come to visit, however won’t actually let you take it from him to play. Loves apples and kale and getting his ears squeezed. Does in fact know who “the goodest boy” is, just pretends he doesn’t so his brothers feelings aren’t hurt. He is my gentle giant, patient and kind, loving and soft. I’ve never known a dog with such a soul. Looks you right in the eyes and understands you. I am blessed to have him in my life and even though I rescued him…he saved me.
My boys love being outside in nature. So a few times a week we will go for an outdoor adventure. It was just like any other day with my active and adventurous boys, we woke up excited to go for a hike at the lake! Part way through our walk I noticed something wasn’t right, Duke was dragging his legs behind him. Turned out Duke very suddenly had a spinal seizure/stroke losing function in his back legs, which then caused a fall that dislocated his hip. A noise I never want to hear come from my poor baby again. I knew something was drastically wrong when I saw his leg was bent in a way that looked like it had been snapped in half. All three of us terrified and confused and out in the middle of nowhere, Duke screaming in pain, I scooped up my 100 lb boy and rushed him back to the car and to the emergency vet, where he has been for the last week. I felt incredibly helpless carrying him because at the time I was recovering from a sprained ankle and ligament tear. So we were not in good shape. Looking back I remember at one point I sat in the dirt path with him collapsed on my lap crying because I knew I had about a quarter mile to go. I’m strong, and capable, but carrying your 100lb dog that far in 95 degree heat out in the woods while you’re both in pain is hard emotionally and physically. But I did it. I collected myself, picked him up, and carried him the last quarter mile to the car saying to myself “do not stop until you’re there” Crying the entire time.
The whole event was absolutely horrific.
Once we got to the vet they rushed Duke in on a gurney, and I’ve only seen him once since. After scans and MRI’s, Neurology and Orthopaedics looking him over, turns out due to the seizure and herniated disc pressing on his spinal cord, it left him partially paralyzed in both back legs. A few days later once he became a bit more stable and side affects of the stroke/seizure decreased a bit, he had emergency surgery. They removed part of his femur and socket to alleviate his immediate and immense pain. And are working with him around the clock to help him recover from surgery. Long term our hopes are that this surgery will help him regain some function in his back legs so he won’t need spinal cord surgery or a wheelchair.
It will be a long and grueling road to recovery for my sweet boy. I’m dedicated to do everything I can and give him everything I have, to provide him the best quality of life possible for the time he has left with me and Zeus.
This past week has been the hardest I’ve ever had. Leaving him there knowing he is afraid and in pain, working long hours and running back and forth to bring him home cooked food, still giving my puppy all the attention and love he needs, myself not sleeping or eating, I moved apartments to accommodate his situation and make his life easier, bought everything I was told was needed to help him, and am making every effort in every way to do what is best for Duke. But I have come to a point where I need help.
Asking for help is not easy for me, but his medical bills have already reached an astronomical number, and there’s only more to come. So I am hoping that through the generosity and love of others, for the love that Duke has shown so many, I will be able to raise a portion of his expenses, bring him home, and help him walk again.
If you can help my boy in any way, we would greatly appreciate it.
Duke, Zeus, and Bailey