Ramona Sienna is a puppy with big hopes for the future, but she has already been through more than any young dog should.

She was brought to the shelter by a family who said they found her on the side of the road. Though every day in animal rescue that all kinds of scenarios are possible, something didn’t quite add up — Ramona was clean, well-fed, and otherwise in good condition except for one heartbreaking problem: one of her legs is totally malfunctioning and severely damaged.

After several examinations by veterinarians and orthopedic specialists, we learned that Ramona has a malformation in the lower part of her leg. A major part of a bone in her ankle/leg does not excist at all, and even if she would be able to use it, the affected leg is significantly shorter than the healthy one. Because Ramona is still growing, her case is especially complicated — she is expected to keep growing for another 6 months at least.

She will be quite a big girl, and her spine & hips alignment are already suffering now from the missing use of the leg, so all traumatologists have advised against an amputation, unless the last resort.

The specialists believe the best option is a two-step surgical plan.

The first surgery will be a temporary but complex procedure. A circular external fixator (a special orthopedic device ordered for her size) will be placed around her leg to stabilize the ankle for the period of her growth. This device will stay in place for some time and will require careful monitoring and follow-up visits to increase the size as she grows.

Once Ramona is older and her growth is more complete, she will need a second, definitive surgery to permanently reconstruct and stabilize the leg, including placing an artificial bone to the place of the missing bone.

One theory has been that she had a severe injury as a small puppy, like a car accident, but it seems unlikely to us, as the rest of her body has been undamaged. The more likely theory is that this is a birth defect and took place in the birth canal...

Why We Need Your Help

Even with a shelter discount, the first surgery alone costs around €1,700, and additional costs will follow for check-ups, adjustments, and the second surgery later on.

Our immediate goal is to raise €1,700 so Ramona can have the first surgery as soon as possible and start her long journey toward healing. She has a medical foster home waiting for her, and could then recover in a caring home environment!

How You Can Help

Every donation, no matter how small, helps give Ramona Sienna the chance to grow up running, playing, and living pain-free — the life every puppy deserves. ❤️

It's a small drop in the world of animal rescue..... But for Ramona-Sienna, it is her whole life....