Art for Ares: Helping my boy walk without pain

I am at a loss of how to express how much Ares means to me. He has been pure love and support through some of the hardest moments of my life and I have always done everything in my power to look after him. I have managed to pay for 2 knee surgeries and all the ongoing medications he has to have for his knee, but sadly I have lost my job working for a local non-for-profit due to lack of funding (between the bushfires and corvid 19 there is no funding for community centres) and my small business is not able to operate due to the current restrictions.  Meanwhile things have gotten much worse for Ares and he cannot wait for me to get back on my feet. 

His legs are not quite right and never have been. I was previously told he might lose his right leg, but sadly his left is not strong enough for this to be an option. The vet has come up with some solutions including a new medication, new diet (which is about $160 a bag), and some braces. I tried some basic ones that were $80 each, but they fell apart after a week as he has to wear them from when he wakes up to when he goes to bed and he does not have an off switch. So there are two options I can see that might work. This set might work for a while and really help slow down some of the extra damage and cost about $450. 

But what he really needs is custom made braces. I have done a heap of research and the most affordable ones are still around $2700 and involve me doing casts at home and sending them in, but from what I can find they are really amazing. They will provide more long term help, better support, less chance of chafing and other irritations the other options might have. 

I have tried everything I can to help him without the braces.  I even made a ramp so he can go outside to go the bathroom, but even that is too much and he has to go on the deck (much to his displeasure) So as the dog who helped me through so much lays on the floor and cries in pain not responding to toys or even treats I have to swallow my pride and ask for help. I cannot lose him or let him stay in this much pain so I decided to reach out. 

I have found a way to keep Ares calm and relaxed. I recently got some books from the library to learn how to paint and have been doing small paintings on canvas paper. While I am doing this Ares loves to lay on the couch next to me and do the important things like watch the door for intruders, grumble for ear scratches, and nap. So I thought it would be a nice way to thank people who donate. If you donate $25+ I will send you a random one of these little paintings if you would like one. If you donate $50+ you can send a suggestion and I will do my best to paint you something that resembles that thing. Keep in mind I am a complete noob though as it had been over 10 years since I did any painting and only restarted very recently. All paintings will be done under the very serious supervision of Ares as seen below with some samples of my little thank you paintings. 

If you would like a thank you painting you just need to email ArtforAres at gmail dot com and let me know you donated, your name, and an address to send it to. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this all. If you are not able to donate please do not worry, but even a sharing this on social media can go a long ways to help. <3 

I will post more adorable pup photos and painting photos as things progress so make sure to check back in for updates!!