The full story
Tux is my little runner.
He has always been an incredibly active little dog. He loves running, jumping, playing, chasing after me, and being wherever I am. Keeping him still has honestly been one of the hardest parts of all of this because, even now, his personality is still telling him that he should be up running around.
On Saturday night, I came home from work and found that Tux suddenly couldn't use his back legs. I took him straight to the emergency vet, where he was diagnosed with IVDD. Thankfully, he still had sensation in his feet.
Since then, we've been doing strict rest, medication, supported potty trips, and the exercises his veterinary team showed me. I'm already seeing little things that give me hope. He has moved and wiggled his tail, curls his toes around my fingers, and this morning he put his left back foot flat while trying to move and appeared to put a little pressure through it for the first time.
Tux also has his two cats, Simba and Amadeus, who are part of his little family. Simba even grooms Tux sometimes like he's another cat. Tux has such a big personality, and seeing my normally active little runner unable to use his back legs has been incredibly difficult.
I'm doing everything I can to give Tux the time and care he needs to recover. Unfortunately, I'm struggling financially with his veterinary expenses. His current medication is about to run out, and his regular follow-up appointment isn't until October 6. I'm trying to get him seen sooner so there isn't a gap in the care or medication his veterinarian believes he needs, but I'm struggling to afford another veterinary bill and his medications.
I hate having to ask for help, but Tux means everything to me. I just want to give my little runner every reasonable opportunity to get back on those legs and, eventually, when his veterinarian says he's ready, get back to being the happy little dog who thinks running and jumping are his full-time job.
Any help toward his veterinary care and medication would mean more to us than I can explain. ❤️🐾
Tux's story
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
IVDD can turn a family's world upside down without warning. Your donation and your shares help Tux get closer to the care, recovery support, and hopeful future every dog deserves.
Every gift matters. If you cannot donate today, sharing Tux's story can help it reach someone who can.
IVDD Awareness supports families navigating urgent care. Medical decisions should always be made with a licensed veterinarian.