#ivddawareness

8 years ago I took Simon on an uneventful morning walk. When we returned home, with absolutely no catalyst, he spontaneously herniated a disc in his spine that caused immediate paralysis of his back end. The only indicator that he was in pain was that he held his chin up just a little- which I noticed with curiosity. It wasn’t until he tried to follow me, dragged his legs behind him that I realized he was in trouble. His amazing vet and surgical teams confirmed that is was in an extraordinary amount of pain, but was being ‘very stoic’ so I wouldn’t be afraid. The drive to his surgeon felt endless. It was the first time he wasn’t riding on my lap. Worried this may be my last few moments with him, I decided to take this photo- and every time I look at it I see how very much he loved me to hold back his agony to keep me calm. The hospital told me that most people would justifiably consider putting him to sleep, since his chances were slim of surviving emergency neurosurgery, much less any substantial recovery. They warned me about the incredible amount of work he would require from me if he survived. He was only three. His story was not finished yet. I told them that as long as he can maintain his quality of life, I would do whatever it takes to keep him by my side. The strength, bravery, and perseverance Simon used to fight through his recovery, his amazing ability to defy the odds, and his refusal to accept limitations were inspiring. I was so proud of his spirit, and continued to be amazed by what he could accomplish in a wheelchair, a stroller, on all four legs, and even with only two. He didn’t just survive the 7 years following his surgery- he thrived. Happy Anniversary, my best boy. I hope you spend this heavenly day running, jumping, and playing even harder in celebration❤️🐾 #frenchbulldog #frenchie #ivddsurvivor #ivddawareness #ivdddog #bestdogever https://www.instagram.com/p/CG-D6pGDadh/?igshid=11gpb47613v7g

My Chico is down again with his back. Watching him suffer with IVDD (Intervertebral Disk Disease) is heart breaking and after this episode, we're on borrowed time together. Chico is not a candidate for surgery. The vet has amazing drugs in his arsenal to keep him comfortable and greatly limit his pain - but those will stop working. So just like we've always done, Chico and I are making every single day count! #dogsofinstagram #ivddsucks #ivddawareness

On Sunday(Oct 29), my doxie Toby became paralyzed from the waist down. I woke up because he was whimpering (of course he sleeps in my bed, err his bed😂). I saw that he was trying to get to his ramp, and something didn’t look right. I pulled the blanket pack and discovered that his back legs we’re paralyzed. We rushed him to the veterinary hospital immediately. It was out of the blue and happened so fast, with no warning signs. He had to have emergency surgery. I absolutely hate asking for handouts, but we are in financial trouble because of the cost of all the veterinary bills. We would do anything to save our fur baby, including going into massive debt. He is our rescue miracle dog, and we can’t imagine life without him. If you could spread the word to as many dachshund (or animal lovers) parents, my family would be forever grateful. We have all of the paperwork from the numerous veterinarians and neurological veterinary surgeons, so we can prove this is not a scam. Oh how I wish it was 😢. I am sorry if this request is out of line or rude, but we need all the help and support we can get. Thank you for any help you may be able to give. Even thoughts and well wishes are so very appreciated. Thank you so much. https://www.gofundme.com/please-help-me-save-my-dachshund

Baxter resting. Check out my blog yourdogswellness to. Learn more about Baxter. Link in profile. #ivdd #ivddrecovery #ivddawareness #dogwellness #dogwellnessblog #dachshunds #dogs #dogsofinstagram #dogsoflongisland #mommasboy (at Islip, New York)

Baxter hugging his little alien friend in his recovery suite. Baxter is on strict crate rest for IVDD. We are on our fifth week now rest and meds. He's doing well. Progressing slowly but well. Grateful that he was never completely paralyzed and is able to walk(although wobbly) #dogwellness #dogsoflongisland #dogsofinstagram #dogwellnessblog #ivdd#ivddrecovery #ivddawareness #dachshunds #mammmasboy (at Islip, New York)