Dog mom risks $50,000 for a surgery to save her darling Dachshund with rare heart condition, but nothing prepared her for the online backlash she suddenly faced: 'I’m honestly shocked at how cruel people can be'

Author image for Blake Seidel
Blake Seidel • Managing Editor & Brand Manager
Dec 10, 2025 9:00 AM EST

Dogs are family members. If you've never had a dog, you have no authority to comment on this statement. If you have, then you understand exactly what we're talking about.

We're not sure if we could put a number on how much our pupper's life is worth, but unfortunately, one dog mom is having to. She found out her Dachshund has advanced mitral valve disease, a heart condition that requires a special surgery. If the surgery is successful, it could add many years to her dog's life. If not, she will have spent $50,000 for nothing. Is $50,000 worth more than the life of your pet? That is a question only you can answer, but we understand why she's willing to pay it.

Now, you would think that the financial burden would be the hardest part for this pawrent, but that's where you'd be wrong. In dealing with this news, she posted online to get people's opinions and see if anyone else had gone through something similar. But nothing could have prepared her for the backlash she faced online, as people insinuated that she was crazy for spending so much money on her precious pupper. 

There's a lot more to this story, so scroll down to read through the whole thing. More than anything, though, we wish her and her doggo health, happiness, and a swift recovery!

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    I'm honestly shocked at how cruel people can be. My dachshund, Mia, was recently diagnosed with advanced mitral valve disease. We're going through specialists, second opinions, tons of tests, and exploring every possible option, including a highly specialized
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    heart surgery that could give her more years of life if she's approved for it. It's terrifying and overwhelming, and I've been posting around Reddit trying to learn from others who have been through something similar.
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    Some subreddits have been supportive, but in others I've started receiving straight-up hate. People laughing, saying things like "Jesus Christ, who pays 50k for just a dog?" And they're even downvoting every comment I make, as if caring about my dog is something to be embarrassed about.
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  • There is no manual on the correct way to live your life or spend your money, so we think all these people should put a sock in it. It's not like she's trying to spend your money, so just let her do what she thinks is right. Wouldn't you want someone else to give you the same grace if you were in their shoes?

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    If you've ever loved a dachshund, or any pet, you know there is no such thing as "just a dog". This is my little girl. My family. Of course I'm going to fight for her life. That's what love looks like.
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    And the contrast is crazy because this subreddit has been the complete opposite. Every single person who commented on my first post did it with respect, compassion, and real suggestions. No judgment. No cruelty. Just genuine care. Owner-dog communities truly are the best people in the world. You all get it in a way others simply don't.
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    So thank you. Really. I came here feeling overwhelmed and terrified, and you made me feel supported instead of alone or ridiculous. I appreciate this community more than you know.
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    Candid-Locksmith8045 5h ago People who don't have a bond with their dog don't get it. I spent 20k on my dachshunds treatment after he got bitten by a rattlesnake. It was horrible as he almost died. And I would have paid 4x because they saved him. Good luck with your girl. I hope you find a successful path.
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  • All we can say is that we hope she has pet insurance. It seems useless… until it isn't. We'd much rather have it and never have to use it, than have to pay for something unexpected. There must be some Murphy's law about that.

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    jmadera94 .5h ago Don't pay any attention to the idiots out there. I would anything for my three girls also. Keep your head up.
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    SnooPredictions1790 • 5h ago I'm sorry people are being cruel for no reason :( Others really forget these are real scenarios that real people are going through and sharing. I hope your puppy does well with treatment, I'm wishing you all the best
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    Ohmyweenies • 5h ago I spent 10k+ (refused to do all the math after a certain point) for back surgery on mine only to lose him. I was in the middle of IVF after 15 years of trying and finally got a positive, only to have him injure his back the next
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    day and lose function. He was with me through it all and was such a big part of keeping me going. I bargained with all the gods that I was alright remaining childless if he just survived and came home to us. When he passed, the only thing keeping me together was the thought
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    that his little soul had somehow equivalent exchanged the baby into existence. I had family tell me that it was God's plan, that I shouldn't have spent the money and all those other shitty comments and I told them to get fucked. That at that moment, I'd run them over if it meant getting him back.
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    I'm sorry to trauma dump on you. All that to say: Your girl matters! She's family! I know that whatever choice you make, she's loved beyond measure. And if I knew of a way to mow down that group of jerks who have nothing better to say, to make her better, I'd be right there with you .
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    longwienerrs • 4h ago My sweet girl Stella got diagnosed with IVDD and was paralyzed from one day to another and had to rush her into surgery we took her to LA maxed out all of husband and my credit cards her whole surgery and healing process.
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    costed about $16,000 i went full on not knowing if i would able to afford but i found ways to keep her alive even the vet suggest to put her down bc she would "suffer" her surgery was 50/50 she would walk or not. I used my car as collateral took out a loan to pay off all the credit cards. Its
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    crazy bc i had just finished paying my car and one week later this happened its like i paid for my car twice but i would do all over again and again if it meant saving her life. Which it did she walks and runs and is full of life. I never once lost hope in my dog. Shes my best friend and one who has got me thru so
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    many obstacles in life she will be 8 years in February ②dont let anyone bring you down for loving your fur baby unconditionally just like they love us. I pray your baby recovers and gets more years with you
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    . gerorgesmom · 5h ago They are people jealous that you can do so. It's your decision where to spend your money. I wish you and your pup the very best.
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    unhalfbricking 4h ago Times are hard, especially for young people and reddit skews young.
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    If you're an American without health insurance and don't have $50k to save your own life if it came down to it, the idea of a person having and spending that kind of money on a pet might make you feel some kinda way.
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    I agree that it is none of their business and you are free to spend your money however you like. I also wish you and your dog nothing but continued good health. But my guess is hardship, not hate, is driving a lot of these negative comments.
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dogs backlash rare dog mom dachshund negativity animals surgery
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