My dog needs help
Tell us what happened and what your vet recommends.
IVDD can progress quickly. If your dog is in pain or losing mobility, contact a veterinarian now.
No dog should lose a chance at recovery because care costs too much.
When IVDD changes everything, we help families act.
We connect dog families with urgent financial help, practical IVDD guidance, and a community that understands what comes next.
Urgent case supportClear IVDD educationReal family stories
There is hope.Early action can make all the difference.
→
I want to help a dog
Meet current cases and make an immediate difference.
I need to understand IVDD
Learn the signs, treatment paths, and what to do next.
Latest six cases
Dogs who need us now
Every share and every gift helps a family get closer to care.
Needs supportEnzo Needs Our Financial Help
Help Enzo Get the Care He Needs
Three-year-old Enzo suddenly lost the use of his hind legs and was diagnosed with IVDD. He may need surgery costing $10,000–$12,000, beyond what his family can afford. Help this loving Chihuahua get the care he needs.
Needs supportLexi Needs our Support
Lexi’s Story 🐾❤️
Lexi, our much-loved 2-year-old Cavapoo, suddenly lost the use of her back legs while playing with her brother. On 9 October, she underwent successful spinal surgery for two slipped discs, giving her a chance to walk again. She now faces a long recovery, and we’re raising funds to cover the cost of her surgery and veterinary care. Every donation or share helps us give our little girl the future she deserves. ❤️🐾
Needs supportFunds For
Tux is my little runner - Lets Help Him Get Back To Running
Help Tux Run Again ❤️🐾 Tux has always been my little runner. He lives to run, jump, play, and follow me everywhere I go. Saturday night, everything suddenly changed. I came home from work and found that Tux couldn’t use his back legs. I rushed him to the emergency vet, where he was diagnosed with IVDD. Thankfully, he still had sensation in his feet, which gives us hope. Since then, Tux has been on strict rest, medication, and rehabilitation exercises. And we're already seeing encouraging little signs—he’s wagged his tail, curled his toes around my fingers, and even started trying to put a little weight on one of his back feet. His spirit hasn't changed. Tux still thinks he should be running. His body just isn't ready yet. Unfortunately, the veterinary bills and medications are becoming more than I can manage alone. His medication is running out, and I'm trying to make sure there isn't a gap in the care he needs. I hate asking for help, but Tux means everything to me. I just want to give my little runner every opportunity to get back on his feet—and someday, when his vet says he's ready, back to doing what he loves most: running. Any donation, no matter the amount, toward Tux's veterinary care and medication would mean the world to us
Needs supportFinancial Relief After Surgery
Ziggy is a Special Pup and Needs Our Help
Help Ziggy on His Road to Recovery When Melanie Taylor’s beloved French Bulldog, Ziggy, suddenly lost the use of his back legs on a Saturday night, she rushed him to an emergency veterinarian. By Sunday, he had undergone an MRI and emergency spinal surgery. Ziggy is Melanie’s emotional support animal and a deeply loved companion. Melanie lives alone on a fixed disability income, and his emergency care left her facing more than $12,000 in medical bills, with recovery supplies and physical therapy adding to the burden. Now, Melanie is caring for Ziggy at home, managing his medications, helping him outside, and comforting him through a difficult recovery. She is doing everything she can for the dog who gives her so much love and support. Financial assistance would help ease this overwhelming burden so Melanie can focus on Ziggy’s care and recovery.
Needs supportDutchess Needs Your Help
Two Days After Her Fourth Birthday, Dutchess’s World Changed
Help Dutchess Find Her Way Back to Comfort Just two days after her fourth birthday, Dutchess, a miniature dachshund, fell while trying to join her mom on the couch. Moments later, she was dragging her back paws and crying in pain. Her family rushed her to the vet, who recommended an MRI and possible surgery for suspected IVDD. With both parents relying on disability benefits, the cost is beyond their reach—but their love for Dutchess knows no limits. Every night, Dutchess sleeps in her mom’s arms. Now, her family is searching for help to give their beloved girl a chance to heal and return to the place she loves most.
Needs supportHelp Coco With Her IVDD
🐾 Help Coco Recover from IVDD: Our Beloved Frenchie’s Fight Against IVDD ❤️
If you have ever loved a dog like family, you know that they are never “just a dog.” They are your baby. Your best friend. Your family. This is the story of Coco — our sweet, loving, playful boy who has brought so much happiness into our lives.
Follow every new case on Facebook
Visit our Facebook page →See updates, share stories, and help more dogs reach the people who can support them.
Know the signs
Fast action can protect your dog's future.
01Sudden pain or crying out
02Weakness or wobbling
03Reluctance to move or jump
04Loss of bladder or bowel control
These signs can be an emergency. Contact a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment; this website does not replace veterinary advice.
Joe BurtonFounder
A message from our founder
“Every IVDD dog deserves the chance to live and be happy.”
My name is Joe Burton. I'm not a doctor or a vet—just a father of three, an animal lover, and someone whose life has been changed by two remarkable IVDD dogs.
When Elsie came into our family, we did not yet understand IVDD or how quickly it could progress. She lost the use of her back legs, but not her joy. Today she is spoiled, playful, mobile in her wheelchair, and living an amazing life.
I started IVDD Awareness to share what we learned, connect families with practical guidance, and help make sure a dog is never denied care simply because surgery costs too much.
— Joe BurtonYou are not alone
Tell us about your dog.
If IVDD treatment feels financially out of reach, reach out now. We will help you understand the next step and whether support may be available.