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Memphis’s Tale

In the summer of 2006, a spunky little critter nuzzled his way into my world. In no time at all Memphis, the five-week-old Jack Russell with a bark bigger than his body, captivated my heart. Nine years later he is still my constant companion. Thus far, he has led a vibrant life, seeking out an array of adventures, stealing the hearts of many, and making friends across the east coast. He has also faced some adversity (like a champ though!); surviving a nearly fatal gun shot, overcoming cancer, living through a serious car-wreck, being bitten by another dog, and overcoming a severe dental infection preventing him from being able to breathe. The little guy has fought courageously through everything he has ever faced!

Towards the beginning of November we found Memphis paralyzed on the floor. He had fallen out of bed and was panting and shaking while defecating himself -overall completely terrified. We rushed him to vet and he was diagnosed with an inflamed calcified disc as the source of paralysis. After a series of vet visits, x-rays, anti-inflammatory medicines, and strict rest, Memphis was only getting worse. His journey led us to a neurologist in South Carolina, an hour and half from home. Succeeding an MRI and daylong evaluation some quite peculiar information was delivered to us. Memphis was diagnosed with atlantoaxial subluxation, a rare condition resulting from bone and ligament malformations at birth. In essence, we discovered Memphis was born without parts of his vertebrae. Quickly the still present inflamed disc became the least of his worries. It turns out that the atlantoaxial subluxation is the true cause of Memphis’s paralysis. His spinal cord is being pinched and flattened within his neck due to the lack of support.

Memphis’s condition is usually discovered when a dog is still a puppy. In fact, it is almost unheard of for a dog to go 9 years of it’s life without having complications result from this deformity--- but hey, you remember how tough this little whipper-snapper is, right? Something finally triggered a reaction though. At Memphis’s age this can be a challenging issue to overcome and requires wearing a neck brace for 8 weeks. The brace cannot guarantee full functionality for his future but we are very hopeful. The alternative: a complex and dangerous surgery with a 30% chance of complications including death and permanent paralysis. If the brace is successful then Memphis’s body will form scar tissue in place of the missing bone and ligaments; giving his vertebrae the support he has been missing since birth.

How You Can Help Memphis

Memphis’s vet bills have already totaled over $2,000 with another expected $500 in expenses (at the very least) to come. As a fulltime college student I am only able to work part-time and needless to say I have overly exhausted my resources trying to afford care for Memphis, some days choosing to buy him food over myself. The main obstacles between Memphis and his bright future are healing and finances. He has the will to power through this bump in the road and the supportive network of humans around him to help him do so.

Given he cannot walk, keeping his bandages clean, dry, and urine free is a challenge, therefore, he must see the vet to have his bandages changed weekly. It is estimated that Memphis’s weekly vet bills will range from $70-$90 per visit, with 7 out of 8 visits still to complete. His visits will cover a re-check fee of $40-$60 and a bandage change fee of $30, with the potential for additional fees such as sedation if he is uncooperative. We aim to raise $500 for Memphis, which would allow approximately $71.43 per visit. Any contribution you are able and willing to make will help Memphis. Fifty cents, five dollars, fifteen dollars, fifty dollars, or even just some positive thoughts sent his way! Thank you for taking the time to consider Memphis’s story and having the compassion to empathize with his situation. Best wishes to y’all. Now let’s help Memphis win this battle!