Help Lexi Run Again, End Her Pain

Hi everyone. I'm reaching out to anyone who is willing to help my parents, Dan and Teri DiGirolamo and their Golden Retriever, Lexi who desperately needs a full hip replacement asap. She's 6 yrs old and was born with hip deformities.

The first few yrs of her life the symptoms were minimal, she ran around happily and went on nightly runs with my dad. We used to watch her take running leaps into my parents in-ground pool. She loved to swim and she swam almost everyday, but after a while her pain started to become obvious. Initially, the vet suggested putting her down since the cost of the hip replacement was unaffordable. The thought of euthanizing her was unbearable so my parents have been trying to save money for a total hip replacement, post op care, rehab and meds which will total13,000 or 6500 a hip. Their care credit only covers so much and is maxed out. Credit cards might be an option, but interest rates would double the cost of surgery over the long run.  I know what you're thinking...that the cost is not worth it, but she is like family and is still young and healthy. It's easy  for people to say just put her down, but they're not the ones that raised her, bonded with her, or loved her. She's not old.  Try having to bring a dog that still has a youthful puppy spirit to the table and I bet you won't be able to go through with it.  A dog that just wants to run and wrangle a toy. I grew up with Goldens and they're mellow, gentle natured, and their intelligence make you fall in love with them quickly. She is so patient despite her pain. 

The veterinarian and my parents have been working together to try and manage her pain with medication for the last couple yrs, but the deterioration in her hips has worsened and pain meds aren't working anymore.  Even if we can earn just half of our goal it would make it so she can gain partial use of her hips.  She doesn't swim anymore and taking a walk is hard for her. Most of the time she sits or lays on her bed. Sometimes when she goes out to the bathroom she struggles to squat to pee or poop.


It's really sad she was born with this and has only lived half of her life. Lexi's surgery can't wait anymore, but the timing this year is not good for them either. My dad is going in for knee surgery and a tumor removal next month. He will be laid off of work for at least 4 months. The doctor told them that its highly unlikely he would be able to return to his line of work after recovery. Needless to say, my parents are extremely worried about finances. It's so unfortunate that our pets get the shaft when it comes to medical coverage. Most of you that have owned animals understand this. My parents are true animal lovers. Over the years they have adopted many from the local animal shelters. My mom owns her own travel business in Florida and works her butt off to care for her family and four legged family members. Over the years she has donated free cruises for numerous fundraisers for individuals and large organizations. She is the most generous person I know and is not the type to ask for financial help, but they certainly need financial assistance for her surgery and I know they won't ask for it.

Chance of full recovery is very high. She's young and healthy. Please read about her issues and prognosis here:   http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-surgery-a-z/dog-hip-surgery-what-you-need-know-about-femoral-head-ostectomy-fho ‌

"With current technology, prosthesis implants, instrumentation, and expertise, it is expected that over 95% of dogs with Total Hip Replacements can resume a pain-free active life without complications for the rest of their life. "
Source:  http://www.globalvetspecialists.org/comparison-thr-fho ‌

Please donate whatever you can. No donation is too small.  I know every fundraiser says that, but for real, every dollar makes a difference. Donate anonymously if need be. If you can't donate please share Lexi's story with others. Lexi will give you the biggest, most slobbery kiss for helping her get her new pain free hips. Thank you so much!!