Puppy Love

Help Vinny Walk Again: A Journey to Give Him the Life He Deserves

Meet Vinny. He’s a 10-month-old rescue puppy from a shelter in Indiana, and he has a heart as big as his love for people. Vinny is an incredibly sweet boy who has had to endure so much more than a puppy should. Despite all the love and care we’ve given him, Vinny struggles every single day with walking, standing, and even sitting comfortably. His playful and curious nature is overshadowed by his inability to move like the joyful pup he is.

Vinny’s journey began when we adopted him, hopeful and full of excitement for the life he deserved. But right away, we noticed something wasn’t right. He couldn't walk well—his movements are jerky, and he trips over his own feet. He has to lay down constantly because he can’t stand for long periods, and playing with other dogs is out of the question. The simplest actions that other puppies take for granted, like running or jumping or stairs, are impossible for him.

We’ve spent thousands of dollars trying to get answers for Vinny. We’ve done multiple rounds of X-rays and blood tests, consulted four specialists, and ruled out conditions like hip dysplasia and arthritis. Despite all of our efforts, we still don’t know what’s causing his struggles. The next step, which we are desperately trying to afford, is an MRI and brain scan to dig deeper into the potential issues that could be affecting him.

Vinny deserves to feel the joy of running through the grass, the thrill of playing with other dogs, and the comfort of being able to move. He has such a beautiful, kind soul and an incredibly gentle personality. He loves tug-of-war and spends hours outside sniffing the world around him. Despite his physical limitations, Vinny is a massive people puppy—he adores cuddling and will waddle over to ask to be out into your lap, no matter how big he gets. His sweet face lights up when he gets attention, and if you stop rubbing him, he’ll gently pull your arm back, letting you know he’s not done yet.

Vinny’s love for life, people, and other animals is undeniable. He’s the kind of dog that deserves to run, explore, and play with the freedom every puppy should experience. If we can get him the medical care he needs—specifically the MRI and brain scan—we hope that it will be the key to improving his quality of life, giving him the chance to finally experience the world in the way he deserves.

But Vinny’s story doesn’t end there. Once we’re able to get him healthy, we want to pursue registering him as a therapy dog. With his gentle spirit and empathetic nature, we believe that Vinny could make a real difference for those struggling with their own challenges, just as he has faced his own. His happiness, struggles, and heart could help bring comfort to people in need of emotional support and healing.

We are asking for your help to give Vinny the chance he deserves. Every donation will go toward funding his MRI, brain scan, and any further treatment that may be needed to give him a better life. No donation is too small—together, we can make a difference in Vinny’s life and help him become the healthy, happy dog we know he can be.

Thank you for taking the time to read Vinny’s story. We are so grateful for your support, love, and compassion. Please help us give Vinny the chance to truly live and be the therapy dog we know he was meant to be.

With love and gratitude,

Vinny’s Forever Family