Fergus needs assistance

Fergus, an 8 year old German Shepherd Dog, has served as a Psychiatric Service dog (PTSD K9) for the last 7 years. He was rescued by the Oregon Humane Society and adopted through their 2nd chance program in November of 2016. He has been a stellar representative of the working dogs community and the face of Working Dogs Oregon his entire working career. Fergus helps his handler navigate a world filled with a plethora of doctors appointments and therapy visits among the rest of lifes challenges we all know. His keen connection with his handler has made him the ideal partner, always knowing exactly when he needs to intervene when mental health difficulties creep up.

Fergus started his career with a diagnosis of front elbow dysplaisia, a diagnosis that has never slowed him down. at the age of three Fergus had his first seizure and it was determined he suffered from idiopathic epilepsy, a common diagnosis affecting an estimated 5% of dogs nationwide. With the help of a consistant medication plan, Fergussons seizures were controlled and he continued his very important work. Nothing seemed to slow this boy down or prevent him from his work along side his human. After nearly five years of seizure medications his hips and spine have slowly been deteriorating. our thought was the classic GSD affliction of hip dysplaisia. That is until we began learning more about a disease known as canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) from our friend Detective Holly McManus of the St. Francis Police Department in Wisconsin, Det. McManus has been dealing with DM in her retired police canine, K9 Bane. She has started a non-profit organization, the K9 Bane Hero Foundation, and has made it her quest to help other law enforcement K9s suffering from DM. As we learned more about DM we realized all those symptoms described that Bane was displaying are those that Fergus has. Fergus began dragging his feet, standing on his tiptoes, crossing his back feet and not being able to turn quickly without falling. About two weeks ago (mis April) Fergus started dragging his legs and not getting up fully. He began spending more and more time on 2 feet dragging and not walking. Then he got to the point that he could not get up without human assistance. The need for a wheel chair is now a reality. After posting this Gofundme we learned that Detective McManus, with the help of Gunnar's Wheels, are going to allow Fergus to use K9 Banes wheelchair for the duration of Fergussons fight against DM. we are excited to get wheels infused with K9 Banes tenacious energy and cannot thank Holly and Bane enough!

Canine degenerative myelopathy, also known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy, is an incurable, progressive disease of the canine spinal cord that is similar in many ways to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Onset is typically after the age of 7 years and it is seen most frequently in the German shepherd dog. Progressive weakness and incoordination of the rear limbs are often the first signs seen in affected dogs, with progression over time to complete paralysis.

Fergus will not have pain associated with DM but as a working dog used to going everywhere and being involved in everything, it's his anxiety and frustration will be what kills him. The fear of being left out is a very real part of the disease. A wheelchair and therapeutic appointments will help him survive so much longer. Fergus will need massage, acupuncture, hydrotherapy and medications to keep him thriving, even with a wheelchair.

Any help you can afford will keep Fergus going and will be so meaningful to all of us at Working Dogs Oregon!

Thankyou in advance! ❤️