Shadow's Medical Fund Hip Dysplasia

Hello! My name is Christina George. I have a German Shepherd named Shadow who will be three years old in April 2017. Shadow needs help. He has been sadly diagnosed with severe Hip Dysplasia in his right hip. He also has severe osteoarthritis and is in great pain. Shadow also has a right hip bone deformity. His right knee is swollen and enlarged. Shadow's right hip is actually out of socket. After he was seen for his orthopedic consult, the doctors say surgery is his only option. In Shadow's severe case a total hip replacement is the only choice to give him the best chance for a long, happy, pain free life.

Shadow helps me, now he needs help!
Unfortunately, the cost of the surgery is something I simply cannot afford. But, Shadow is my world! He has made everything about my life better by just being in it. Shadow arrived in 2014.  After that, I was hospitalized for two weeks with seizures and a condition called Hemicrania Continua that causes me to have daily migraines. This has lasted for almost a year. Because of the other medical conditions, I cannot take the only helpful medication, Indomethacin. So, having Shadow in my life by my side is truly a lifesaver! I have three-five attacks per day, and Shadow is there to calm me down during the seizures and migraines. Previously, I have worked with Special Needs Children.... until my seizures and migraines. I have not worked since 2014 due to my medical issues. It causes sorrow in my heart not being able to work with my special kids.  

Shadow loves children with special needs & Autism!
I used to work with a little boy named Joe who is Autistic. I introduced Shadow to Joe, and the two were a match. At that time, Joe was non-verbal and Shadow would stay by his side when they were together playing.
Joe would look into Shadow's eyes & smile.... something he just doesn't do. These 2 share a special bond. Words and commands aren't part of their relationship, but still Joe & Shadow seem to understand each other. This makes me smile, seeing Joe connect with another living creature.... even if it is only a dog! Joe continues to come visit us and when he does, Shadow gets so excited to see him and play with him. Shadow loves him so much. When Joe gets upset Shadow calms him down. He stands over him as if to comfort and protect him. Also, at times, Shadow will calm him down before Joe gets upset. It's like Shadow can sense things before they start to happen.

But now when Joe visits, due to the pain, the two of them simply cannot play together the way a dog and child should. This breaks my heart. Shadow loves to help people & that's why I am asking for your support, to get Shadow the help he desperately needs. Shadow is my angel! He was put on this world to help others. I don't know what I would do without him.

Shadow loves to help people & that's why it's his turn to finally get so help!
Without the surgery, his life expectancy is very short. So, I am asking for donations to help save him.

His surgery is estimated at $6,000-$8,500.

I have looked at several different hospitals. I believe his best options are either with Ohio State or University of Tennessee.

With OSU the cost are $6,500-$8,500.

With UT fees are $6,000-$8,500.

Any donation, prayer or positive encouragement will help his journey for a new hip.
If I could get 1,600 friends to donate $5 each, we could have enough for our goal. 

If we could just get 300 people to donate $20, we would have the goal is $6,000.

Shadow is scheduled for an appointment at Ohio State on June 21. We hope & pray to get enough money to have the Total Hip Replacement!!
The veterinarians said they might have to do hip & knee surgery then.

I apologize for the long story, but I want everyone to know how much Shadow means to us.
Absolutely anything would help!
Thank you for even taking the time to read our story, it means a lot to us both.


To learn more about Canine Hip Dysplasia please refer to the American College of Veterinary Medicine.
www.acvs.org.