Meet Jax.
He's a 15-pound shih tzu with a 100-pound personality, a fearless spirit, and a talent for stealing hearts (and occasionally toilet paper). Next month, my little puppy-son turns 11 years old, and right now he needs our help.
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Jax has been by my side since he was a freshly weaned puppy in 2015. He came into my life while I was still grieving the loss of my previous puppy-son, Andi, who I lost to cancer. I wasn't sure I was ready to open my heart again until I saw Jax's picture. I knew immediately that he was meant to be part of my family. Although Jax and Andi never got to meet, I still tell him all the time that Andi would have loved him and they would have made the best brothers.
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For nearly 11 years, Jax has been my best friend, my little shadow, and my ride-or-die companion. He and his cat-sisters Halle and Lucy have brought me countless moments of happiness and have been some of the brightest parts of my life.
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Anyone who knows Jax knows exactly what kind of little guy he is. He is everybody's best friend, but he is also feisty, fearless, and absolutely convinced he is 10 feet tall and bulletproof. He loves cuddling on the couch with his daddy while we watch TV, playing with his Frankenstein toy, carrying around his stuffed monkey, and — for reasons only he understands — impressing guests by stealing as much toilet paper as he can and running away with it.
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That's Jax.
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That is why seeing him like this has been so difficult.
For about a month, Jax has been limping on his back legs, especially his left one. Over the last week, it has gotten significantly worse. He is having trouble jumping onto the couch, climbing into bed (even using his stairs), getting comfortable lying down, getting back up, keeping his balance, and even stepping through the back door to go outside.
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Jax has always been the kind of dog who pushes through everything. He once had a serious cut on his chest after helping me in the garden and never even let me know he was hurt. I only discovered it because I felt it while we were cuddled up together watching TV late that night. He didn't cry. He didn't complain. He was just being Jax.
Which is why seeing him slow down and not act like himself is so concerning.
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His appetite has decreased, although he is still eating and still enjoys his treats. His weight seems stable, but combined with his mobility issues and the changes in his personality, I know he needs to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
I need to get Jax examined and have X-rays done to find out what is happening and what treatment he needs. The initial costs are expected to be around $700, including his exam, imaging, and possible additional care.
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I am doing everything I can, but this unexpected medical expense is more than I can manage alone right now.
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If you're unable to donate, sharing Jax's story would mean just as much. Every share gives us another chance to get him the care he needs. Any help, whether through a donation or simply sharing Jax's story, would mean the world to us.
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As soon as the funds are available, I will schedule his appointment immediately. Every dollar raised will go toward getting Jax the examination, answers, and care he needs to get back to being the happy, fearless little guy we all love.
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Thank you for helping my best friend. ❤️🐾
