Aid Matua's Recovery and Well-Being

Hello family and friends! For those who do not know me, my name is Angelina Cruz. I am currently a full-time student at UNC Charlotte and also work part-time. I have a two-year-old Emotional Support dog named Matua (ma-too-uh). He is the sweetest, most loving, gentlest, and most caring dog you will ever meet. Back in November of 2023, Matua was jumping out of my car onto the ground (as he always does). When jumping from my car, his back left leg slipped into the sidestep of my Jeep. When his foot landed in the hole, he ended up dangling from my car and bending his left back leg.

After getting him out, I noticed a limp when I put him on the ground. I told myself to give it a week to see if it would go away. A week had gone by and no change had happened; he was still limping. I took him to his vet, and they did X-rays. They found out that he had broken his CCL (ACL in humans) and torn part of his meniscus. I felt so bad for him, and I knew that I was not going to let him live with this pain. I scheduled a surgery appointment for him, and the total cost was $8,000. The recovery process was so much longer. Finally, we were able to go back to normal again after surgery, until about 4 months ago. We noticed another limp, but on his right side this time. Again, I took him to get checked, and they found out he broke his other CCL (due to overworking his other leg and bearing all the weight on one side, which also meant another $8,000)! I was so devastated and felt bad for my dog because he had just recovered from the first leg and meant he had to be caged up even longer than before (that was the worst feeling ever, but it had to be done for his best interest).

Surgery number two gets done, which means another 3 months of recovery and being cage-bound. At this point, I am exhausted, stressed, and worrying about my dog because he is so young and not able to enjoy his “puppy years.” Being who I am, though, I push through, and Matua has two good months of being free and playing just like before. Until 2 weeks ago, when I noticed him beginning to not bear weight on his right leg anymore and limping. I took him in to get evaluated and X-rays again… come to find out he has severe arthritis and will have to take anti-inflammatory medication (Rimadyl) and injections (Librela) for the rest of his life. Which means I will have to come out of pocket with this medication monthly. I am only a college student and trying to make all ends meet by working extra hours at work. That is still not enough, though, as I have rent, utilities, insurance, and many other bills included monthly. So any little amount helps pay for Matua’s upcoming injections, and if you are not able to contribute, I understand! Everyone is going through a tough time sometimes; just please keep me and Matua in your thoughts and prayers!