Back in January, Archie Vainshtein began having issues walking. His vet initially prescribed him steroids to help, but in February, things took a worse turn and Archie was diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease and partial paralysis of the front paws. After another round of steroids, in March, Archie's symptoms progressed even more so that he was left unable to walk, unable to pee and be temporarily paralyzed. Massy (his mom) spent multiple days in March not sleeping at various hospital ER visits trying to figure out what's going on. His paws fold inward and he has been in extensive pain. Instead of helping with a surgery, they suggested another round of steroids and strict bed rest. In total he has had three rounds of unsuccessful steroid treatments, constant ER visits and checkups. He is now finally going to receive surgery after initially being told that was a last resort solution. Surgery is looking like it will cost $11,800. That's not counting all the other expenses of xrays, acupuncture and ER visits amounting to upwards of $6,000.

Doctors have been unclear about diagnoses and expectations for recovery throughout this whole process, which has amounted to a lot of money and time spent on failed courses of treatment and devices for healing (such as additional unnecessary steroid rounds, mobility aids and strollers, forced "rest" resulting in needing to take time off work for Massy and her mom, and more). Imagine navigating this whirlwind of a system with your pet, who can't tell you how they are feeling and are suffering deeply inside, unable to do basic functions like walk and pee.

We are asking for a little bit of your help to cover the costs for Massy, Archie's mom. We all have such fond memories of Archie growing up and it breaks our hearts to see him and our dear friend suffer. He loves seeing us and his friends and chasing us down to give us kisses. We just want to give him the opportunity to do it for a while longer.

The emotional and financial tolls still loom as Archie's road to recovery is long. A little can go a long way. Thank you.