Help Max get Weekly water therapy, degenerative myelopathy — CA

Max Bear Peepaws is a 9-year-old German Shepherd/Border Collie/Australian Shepherd Mix. Max has been my emotional support dog (and I, his emotional support human) and fur son since day one. He was the last puppy left of his entire litter at the SPCA because his paws were too big. Others wanted small dogs; not me. He has been my protector and soul dog since day one, and my whole heart.

On August 22, 2026 Max was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy (DM), basically ALS for dogs, after an MRI of his spine ruled out everything else it could have been. DM starts in the back legs and works its way forward, paralyzing him in the process. There is no cure, only ways to slow it down. Neurologist says 6 months to a year before he loses his ability to walk. Water therapy starts Sept 29.

Max saved me first. My body was failing me, no one could tell me why, and there were mornings I could not find a single reason to get up. He was the reason. He got me out of bed, and he kept me looking for answers until I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. He still knows my pain before I do. Therapy will not save him. It keeps him walking, and that is the only thing left I can give him.

I am fully disabled and unable to work, and over $11,900 of his care has already come out of my pocket. In nine years I have never once had to ask for help with him. I am asking now because he does not have long, and every $95 session is another week he is still walking.