Help Bentley Walk Again: Surgery Fund Needed

My name is Kait Lesher. I’m one of the directors of Happy Paws Kitten Rescue. I have dedicated more than 6 years of my life to this rescue, mainly in the form of caring for neonates (bottle babies) with severe illnesses. Every year I spend thousands of dollars caring for these babies, but unfortunately, now it’s my time to ask for help.

The dog pictured is my 12-year-old Rat Terrier, Bentley. I have had him since he was a puppy (adorable photo included). He was a rescue - he and his sister were dumped out in the woods and a very kind woman took him in. I fell in love with him the minute I saw him! He has been by my side throughout so many phases of my life. He is the most loyal pet I could’ve ever asked for.

On Saturday, April 12th, Bentley couldn’t get up from the couch to go outside in the morning to potty. We immediately took him to the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center where he was diagnosed with a suspected CCL (ACL) injury. In addition, he has had luxating patella issues for years (we were told that surgery was not yet recommended). We are not sure how the injury happened, but we immediately followed up with our vet the following Tuesday. They did extensive bloodwork, a full physical exam, and x-rays. After review, they determined that surgical intervention for the CCL injury is recommended. We have been referred to Blackford Veterinary Surgery Referral. He has surgery scheduled for May 20th to repair the CCL and his patella on his right leg. At the moment, he is on medication to keep him comfortable, but he cannot stand on his own and he has a lot of trouble walking. He has to be crate-rested 24/7 and he has to be carried outside to potty.

We have been quoted between $4,250 - $ 4,950 (which we will upload as soon as we receive the emailed copy). This includes the surgery for both his CCL and right patella, chest x-rays since he is over 10 years old and they want to ensure anesthesia is safe, and some postoperative physical therapy instructions.

After being in rescue for as long as I have, I have come to understand that financial resources for these kinds of emergencies fluctuate. At this time, it will be extremely difficult to pay for this surgery without going into debt. I have spent so much time caring for others, and now I am asking for others’ help. If you have the desire and ability to donate to this sweet boy, we would be forever grateful. We love him so much and we just want him to feel better. Thank you all so much.