Meet Oliver, my one year old Bernedoodle boy.

Oliver (aka Ollie, Ollie Bird, and Muffin) has been the best addition to my Texas home. He is my work from home companion, fluffy weighted blanket, and fellow adventurer. Recently, my sweet, active, fun-loving Oliver was diagnosed with hip dysplasia, a condition that causes him significant pain and limits his ability to move and play. The only way to give him the pain-free, active life he deserves is through a total hip replacement.

How Did We Get Here?

I moved back to Texas in December 2024 with intentions to increase my mental health support system near my family and in my hometown. A big part of this plan was looking for a dog to help me have steady routines, regular snuggles, feel safe, a furry emotional support, and a sweet creature to care for. On my second day in Texas, I drove to the outskirts of my hometown and met my little guy. Just days before Christmas, his tiny paws walked into our home for the first time. Ollie grew rapidly, doubling in size after four weeks, and doubling that by summer. Ollie is a tall, fluffy, 70lb, 14 month old goofy boy.

At first his awkward gallop and messy sit posture looked caused by his gangly legs and long proportions. After noticing that he was limping and not putting weight on his back leg, we went to see our vet. After a physical exam and x-ray images, Oliver was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. The only “cure” for hip dysplasia is total hip replacement. Since his diagnosis, his limp has continued, he is stiff and less mobile after laying down, isn’t able to run and play, and sometimes even has trouble squatting to go potty. His pain meds help as a short term solution, but Oliver is anxious to once again play fetch, run around with the kids, and frolic through the mountains.

What Comes Next?

Oliver needs a total hip replacement (THR) to relieve his constant pain, provide a functional hip joint, and allow an active, playful lifestyle. The surgery is significant in scope, cost, and recovery. A THR is not even available in Lubbock, TX so we have been reaching out to vet orthopedic surgeons across Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

We know that the surgery alone will cost at least $10,000, and will involve an intensive 3-month recovery. This type of orthopedic surgery is not available in our area (Lubbock, TX) and will require traveling 360 miles to a vet orthopedic center.

Oliver has brought light, laughter, and daily snuggles into my world. He has helped build routines in my new Texas life, companionship in my work-from-home role, and constant affection. He has been everything that I need, and now it’s my turn to give him what he needs - a new hip.

New Bones - A Shared Story

In 2023, I had a surgery that replaced the smallest bone in my body with a prosthetic, restoring the hearing in my right ear. Soon, Oliver will have a surgery to replace part of the largest bone in his body with a prosthetic. I know firsthand how life-changing these procedures and prosthetics can be. Soon, Oliver and I will both have prosthetic bones to help us live our best lives together.

Join the Journey

I am reaching out to ask for your help in giving Oliver the chance to run, play, and enjoy life without pain. Your support will go directly toward his surgery and recovery, ensuring that he can continue to be the loving, playful companion who has meant so much to me. Thank you for considering a donation to help Oliver—your kindness means the world to both of us.

You can also follow along to learn more about his story, learn more about hip dysplasia with us, and join us for his surgery journey on his Instagram account: @olliedoodle.berneboy

Rest and joy,

Marisa & Ollie <3