Dear Friends,
I'm writing today to ask for your help. One day last Spring my mom took me to the dog park for some playtime. I had so much fun! But as we were leaving to go home, something happened. A puppy I didn't know ran up to me and jumped on my back. I know he was just trying to play, but, man, it hurt! My mom even carried me home because she could tell I didn't feel well. My back looked like this:
My mom took me to the vet the next day
and they told us I have IVDD. I don't really understand, but it's
something about a disc in my spine moving and pinching a nerve. And
that pinch is why my back hurts. I have a really cool vet and he gave
me some strong pain medicine (I was so loopy!) and told my mom I have
to rest for a few weeks, but this usually heals on its own. But it didn't.
The past six months have been really hard. My disc never went back into place and my back still hurts. My mom has taken me to the vet so many times! I keep having to try different medicines because they aren't working. Sometimes I'll feel better, but not for long. Then I'll get more medicine... right now I'm taking 5 different pain medicines!! They don't taste good. My mom even tried taking me to something called a chiropractor. But my back still hurts. AND I am so bored... I can't go on walks or jump and play. My mom got me a stroller so I can roll out to the grass and back.
Last month my vet sent me and mom to go
see a Neurologist. She was very nice, but she pushed on my back. I
didn't like that. She told us good news and bad news. The good news is
there is a way to take away my pain! I can get a surgery on my back
that will fix the disc. There is over a 90% chance the surgery will
completely fix my back. My mom was so excited to get an answer! But
she was also sad because the surgery is really expensive (whatever
that means?). I heard the Neurologist tell my mom it would cost
$8,000-10,000. I know she is worried. My mom wants me to feel better
and have a good life (I'm only 4!), but isn't sure she can afford to
get my back fixed. I don't think her job as a graduate student makes a
lot of money. And my cat brother had to have an emergency procedure
this summer that used up our savings. I'm (mostly) glad he's okay.
My mom hasn't given up on me though! She told me that we got some more good news, too. My vet and Neurologist helped get me an appointment at the University of Florida Veterinary school. My mom said that we would have to take a trip, but getting my surgery there wouldn't cost as much money. I could tell she was happy that we have this opportunity, but still sad because she can't guarantee it for me.
Friends, can you help me get my surgery? I can't wait to feel better and I have so many years left! And run and jump and chase squirrels (and my cat brother, don't tell mom). I know my mom can't wait either. She's tried everything and this is our last option. Even though I don't really understand money, I know every dollar will help. Thank you!
Love,
Patrick
P.S.- If you leave me your email address I will send you a special update!
Other notes:
*All of the money raised during this campaign will go towards Patrick's surgery.
If you prefer to donate directly, you can also use:
Venmo: @Rachel-Underwood
PayPal: @runderwood0509
