Bentley is my 4-year-old baby, my constant companion, and truly my child. A little over a year ago, in December, Bentley was diagnosed with IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease), a condition where the discs between the vertebrae in the spine degenerate or rupture. When this happens, the disc material presses on the spinal cord, causing extreme pain, nerve damage, and in severe cases, paralysis.
Last year, Bentley suddenly lost the use of his back legs. It was terrifying and completely unexpected. He required emergency surgery to save his mobility. That surgery gave him a second chance, and through recovery, physical therapy, and a lot of love, he fought his way back.
Unfortunately, IVDD is a progressive disease.
Recently, without warning, Bentley became paralyzed in his back legs again. This time it progressed rapidly, and we were faced with another emergency surgery—no time to wait, no other option if he was going to have a chance to walk again and live without constant pain.
Bentley underwent emergency spinal surgery to relieve the pressure on his spinal cord. While the surgery was necessary, it came with overwhelming medical expenses on top of the ongoing costs of managing a dog with IVDD, including imaging, medications, hospitalization, and post-operative care.
Asking for help is not easy, but Bentley means everything to me. He is only 4 years old and has so much life left to live. He is a fighter, and I owe it to him to give him every chance possible to heal, recover, and regain his mobility.
Any support—whether through donating or sharing this fundraiser—means more than I can put into words. It helps ease the financial burden so I can focus on what truly matters: Bentley’s recovery, comfort, and future.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading Bentley’s story and for standing with us during this incredibly difficult time.
