Help Zoey Walk Again: Support Her Surgery

Hi, my name is Dani and I am Zoey’s mom.

Zoey has a puppy brother and a puppy sister who I love so very much. But anyone who knows us well knows Zoey is my heart dog. Ever since I rescued her and her sister in 2019, my world has revolved around them (to the annoyance of many ).

Unlike her sister, who is quick to jump in the arms of any stranger, Zoey is shy. Her deep loyalty and love are reserved for those who take the time to get to know her past her scruffy exterior. But once she opens up, you are allowed access to the sweetest cuddles and pets on her suede belly. Also, unlike her brother and sister, she is very in tune with human emotion and behavior. Do not give her a stinky eyeball, because she WILL tell you off. God forbid you try and dance and it is not up to par, she will tell you off. But if you’re sad, she will snuggle in under your armpit and comfort you.

I have done my very best to comfort her, and no matter the cost, I have mostly succeeded. Since I adopted her (age estimated 2-4 years in 2019), she has had luxating patellas in both hind legs. Basically, her knee pops in and out of the joint frequently. Several vets had told me it could cause issues later down the line, so I gave her the very best supplements and carried her up and down every stair possible for as long as I’ve had her. Sadly, this did not save my girl from her luxating patella in her right hind leg progressing to a higher grade where it is almost always out of the joint, and now that joint is arthritic. For 6+ months now, we have been back and forth to the vet doing X-rays, adjusting meds, and trying what we could to figure out what she needed. Ultimately, the orthopedic puppy surgeon found that the severe luxation in her patella has caused her cruciate ligament (CCL in dogs, ACL in humans) to completely tear and decided she needs two major surgeries done on her tiny leg. It is seriously breaking my entire heart seeing her in pain and knowing she will have to go through so much more to finally, hopefully, get some relief.

That is where I find myself currently. She will need a TPLO surgery to stabilize the knee since the ligament can no longer do that. She will also be undergoing an MPL surgery to stabilize the patella in the correct position. If you’re brave, you can Google these. It is a gut punch picturing my baby going through this.

All of this considered, the entire surgery is just over 6 thousand dollars. I will move heaven and earth for this dog, and going into debt is nothing compared to buying quality of life for a dog who the vet says has many, many good years ahead if we get this done now.

I have been fortunate to receive some money already from family for this surgery, but this still leaves thousands unaccounted for. I myself have had a very tough year financially, paying thousands upon thousands for my own medical care. I wish I was in a better position for this, and I feel silly making one of these. A few kind people have encouraged me to do this, and in truth, any cent that gets this done helps. I am starting my goal small as asking for what is needed feels crazy. If all you can offer is a share or a prayer for my girl, I would be so very grateful. She goes in for her surgery Wednesday, June 11th.

Thanks for reading❤️