Help Pennywise Walk Again: MRI & More for Spinal Trauma

Christopher Petiach is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Pennywise, aka "Penny" is our beloved 4-year-old female AmStaff Terrier, gifted to our family as a puppy to provide a much needed distraction during the pandemic.

She's a spoiled inside dog, always ready to jump on the living room couch to watch sports or leap on a bed to snooze the night away with her favorite humans.

Sadly, Penny can no longer jump, run, or even walk without assistance.

In early July 2024, Penny began limping one of her rear legs. We took her to her vet: bloodwork & x-rays were inconclusive. Penny was given some anti-inflammatories & pain meds under the assumption that she might have pulled a muscle or damaged a ligament.

Less than 2 weeks after her vet visit, Penny lost all function in both rear legs as well as all bowel control. We rushed her back to the vet, where we were told it could be a blown disc or spinal stroke. Unfortunately, finding the root cause of Penny's trauma would need to be determined by a budget-breaking MRI or CT Scan.

The MRI/CT Scan would likely be just the beginning of her potential road to recovery. Best case scenario, we may see improvement investing in additional medication & acupuncture; Worst case scenario, she will need surgery that would simply be impossible to budget for.

Penny's family is seeking support to - at the very least - take that first step. More often than not, sudden spinal trauma in dogs can be reversed & many pooches regain motor control of affected legs & bowels. An MRI would pinpoint the damage and provide direction & insight into Penny's recovery.