A few weeks ago I took my dog Thumper to the vet after he showed signs of Limes Disease (stiff joints, inability to jump up) but the tests were negative. After further symptoms, a number of trips to the vet, no diagnoses, and numerous painkillers, Thumper was still suffering. His legs began to buckle beneath him as he walked (imagine a little drunk dachshund).
Yesterday, Thumper, shaking and panting, dragged himself across the floor with his front legs - his back legs were immobile. The vet gave two options: leave him overnight or take him to Tufts University for surgery. To me the choice was clear, the clock was ticking and I couldn't see him in pain any longer!
At Tufts, they found that Thumper had a ruptured disk penetrating a nerve along his spinal chord. The surgery would cost around $5,000. I offered to give everything in my bank account (from my past two summers working as a camp counselor) and my parents would try to cover the rest. It was hard to say goodbye. He was in terrible pain and was scared and confused. I wish I could have told him that it was going to be okay. I wish I could have hugged him.
Today Thumper was moved out of the ICU. There is an 80 percent chance that he will be able to walk again.
It will be hard to pay for the surgery but the important thing is that Thumper is improving. These days, especially this time of year, people are feeling spread thin and money is tight. If there is anyway that any of you can contribute just a dollar towards helping pay for the surgery, it would mean the world to my family and I. Thumper is so important to us and I can't imagine life without him. Thanks for reading. I will be sure to leave updates as to Thumper's condition.
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