Rescued Great Dane has Wobblers Disease!

Zeus arrived within an hour of Great Dane Rescue imploring me to foster him for a week or so at the beginning of December 2016. He was horribly thin and his fur in a deplorable state. His previous owner could no longer keep him. I was not in any financial position to accommodate any pet, and I was determined not to get attached. Within days he crept into my heart, and somehow the right person to adopt him simply never came. I had been living as a recluse for 2 years following a family tragedy that left me totally devastated. I was lost, heart broken, broke and frightened about my future.

I started taking Zeus for walks in our local dog park. Not only was I getting out and meeting new people, I got fit and started discovering fabulous parks within minutes of my home. I am a total foster failure! He certainly lifted me out of my apathy. In conclusion, Zeus rescued me, and not the other way around!

For the past few weeks I've noticed instability in his back legs. He was slipping when running after a ball and battled to jump up into my car. On 9th June his back legs collapsed completely. The vet put him on anti-inflammatories but this did not fix the symptoms. They suspect he has the dreaded Wobblers Disease. I have to take Zeus to a specialist vet for tests that will include an MRI to ascertain whether it is neurological or not. I simply don't have that kind of money. If surgery is required, the costs are at least R25,000, not to mention post operative care. It is estimated that the costs could be in excess of R40,000 which does not even cover medication, physiotherapy and acupuncture treatment in the future.

I don't want Zeus to suffer. He is only 2 years old and the most beautiful dog ever. He gives me so much joy. He gives everyone joy. I'm determined to continue making him the most loved dog ever, and give him the best life I possibly can. If he is to live a life with no walking and playing in the park he will simply wilt away and live a life of depression and boredom. He loves running and playing. So young and simply a giant goofy, gangly bundle of joy and love.

Great Dane Rescue are aware of this initiative. I will be paying them the monies as they will be arranging which specialists I see. They often get preferential rates. They rely on donations and for the most part pay out of their own pockets. Their's is a heartbreaking and relentless job in rescuing Danes on a daily basis.

Zeus has saved my life and I am determined to save his and give him the best possibly chance at the best quality of life possible. Once I am financially back on my feet I will endeavour to match the R40000 donation made on this platform for Zeus to alleviate other Danes or other animal suffering.