Evie came into my life nearly five years ago as a 21st birthday present, but from the very beginning she became my constant. Through multiple moves, we have rarely been apart. We sleep together, work from home together, and share every part of daily life. Evie is my rock and my best friend. Playful, gentle, innocent, and endlessly devoted, always trying to make me happy in the quietest, purest ways.
The morning everything changed, I knew immediately that something was wrong. Instead of greeting me with her usual excitement and kisses, Evie was subdued and withdrawn. Even her favourite puppaccino couldn’t tempt her. Within hours, her ability to walk declined rapidly, and fear set in as I watched her body fail her so quickly.
As a dachshund owner, IVDD had always been my greatest fear. I had seen it as a life-ending diagnosis, something that stole quality of life and offered little hope. Hearing those words brought shock and overwhelming uncertainty. The diagnosis itself was the hardest part. I had no experience or reassurance to lean on, only the heartbreak of seeing Evie in pain and the belief that this might be her new reality.
Yet throughout it all, Evie continued to show extraordinary strength. Despite being the one hurting, she seemed to sense my distress and tried to comfort me. Nuzzling in, offering love, and reminding me she was still there. Watching her put my emotions before her own was both devastating and deeply moving.
Today, Evie is thriving. She walks and trots again with a slight wobble and a gentle leg tilt that has become part of her charm. Her playfulness and brightness have returned, stronger than ever. Recovery has not been easy, but witnessing the progress she has made has reshaped how we both experience life.
This journey has changed me profoundly. It has made me a more informed and attentive dachshund owner, but more than that, it deepened my appreciation for the love we share. Nearly losing my best friend transformed fear into gratitude and resilience.
I’m sharing Evie’s story to offer hope to other dachshund owners. The fear I carried for years before this diagnosis was almost wasted, because there is life after IVDD. With the right care and support, recovery and joy are possible.
I will always be grateful to the incredible veterinary teams whom joined our story. From Evie’s local vet to the specialists at SASH Gold Coast. Their compassion and expertise made her recovery possible. Because of them, my best friend is still here, and that is something I will never stop being thankful for.
– Gold Coast QLD
