Help Byron

Just over 3 years ago we asked for your help, and we are asking for it again today. Thank you SO much for helping her run again, since Byron’s multiple leg surgeries and complications, she has lived a fantastic life! She has enjoyed running around thanks to you all, and was able to enjoy this for quite a while.

Anyone that knows Byron, knows how incredible she is. With an amazing, gentle, kind temperament she has helped us raise, rehabilitate and train so many dogs we have had come into our lives. She has touched the lives of so many people around her, and helped people overcome fears of dogs, taught children how to behave around dogs, and been a great companion to anyone who lets her. She’s everyones best friend, can play with absolutely any dog with any temperament, and just adores her favourite people (‘her friends’).

At the start of January, Byron started holding her ‘good’ back leg off the ground when standing, good being the leg that was only operated on once and still had the plate in. Since she started doing this and limping a little, she has gone up to her maximum dose on gabapentin & loxicom daily to manage the pain. She is also on supplements including 4cyte & monthly injections.

Unfortunately, in the last couple of weeks her leg hadn’t really been improving (even with no exercise or outings), and today on the day she was due to go into the vet for a routine arthritis injection and check up, she fell up our stairs after morning toilet time and has hurt her ‘bad’ back leg too.

Unfortunately this means she is lame on both legs, and not able to put even pressure on either of her legs currently. She was sent home from the vet with a fentanyl patch to get her through the weekend, but she needs X-rays ideally on Monday.

We have been preparing for a life without Byron for some time now, as she has had big ups and downs over the years (one time we didn’t think she was going to make 4 years old), but are shocked and saddened to think the time could actually be here or close. She has definitely slowed down over the years and its been a crazy journey watching her go from a cheeky, naughty, destructive puppy to an old, slow, big good girl. She is only young in the grand scheme of things, but Byrons breeding, history, upbringing, genetics and multiple surgeries have taken a toll. Years ago she was diagnosed with hip dysplasia, arthritis and spinal compression.

Having X-rays done will mean that we can hopefully have an answer as to what’s going on with her back end/legs. It would rule in or out things like bone cancer, a screw in the plate coming loose, bone fragments moving causing pain, or just really bad arthritis. Most of all it would give us peace of mind, that our future decisions regarding Byron’s end of life care is the best we can make.

Due to interstate relocation earlier this year to Queensland, unfortunately we have little to no savings left, leaving us in debt if we have to pay for these expenses. Our vet pay has already maxed out and we have limited options going forward.

We want to make sure Byron always has good days than bad, and remember her for the happy girl she is. Unfortunately we will have to make the call when the time comes, and it will likely be the hardest decision we will ever have to make, but for now we want to make sure she is comfortable until we can get the scans done.

We are hoping to raise $1500, to cover X-rays, pain relief, appointments, medications, & end of life procedures if and when the time comes….

We want to make sure she goes out in amazing fashion, and lives the best life that she can, just like she always has. I know she’s had an incredible life with us and we have only been able to give her what she has needed, due to our amazing supporters.

Whatever happens in the future, Byron will always live on through Byron & Co and her younger brother Zephyr.

We totally understand if you can’t donate, but would forever, greatly appreciate anything you can. We completely understand COVID has been tough for all so we want to acknowledge it's completely fine if you can’t donate. If you can’t, please share to help our best girl.