Alpine needs another surgery

Dear Friends, Family and Dog Lovers Everywhere,

Those of you who have known me most of my life have been astounded by the fact that I have become a dog lover. It wasn't until I fell in love with Timm, who was a foster for many dogs, that I discovered what so many of you have known forever. There is nothing in the world that compares to the unconditional love of a dog, especially one that has been rescued.

Timm and I adopted Alpine in December, 2014. We had fallen in love with the breed and were told by the AZ Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue that we'd be waiting a long time. Alpine showed up 2 weeks after we put in our application. He was 4 at the time, been left alone at home with a bowl of food and had no leash training. He was quite the handful at first but a quick learner and eager to please. I felt OK with adopting a 123 lb. dog because I had my tall man to help. Long story short... Timm left the planet just a few weeks later and here I am a single mom with a giant dog that I love with all my heart.

Alpine doesn't know just how big he is although down to a svelte 105 he is a total leaner and will take you out if you're not prepared. On December 15 we were at Yappy Hour celebrating our 2 year anniversary together. He was running with the little dogs in a tight circle and ripped his ACL in half. He had a lateral suture to repair it on December 30 but blew that out within a week probably getting in and out of my car. That re-injury caused edema in his thigh and he had to have 2 drain tubes installed to get rid of the 2 liters of fluid that had built up. The tubes came out a few days ago and his personality is back. He's a total tripod and needing another surgery but in good spirits even if he can't go play in the snow or with all his little buddies at the dog park. Yes! We have some snow here in Sedona.
I am reaching out to any and all to help me with the financial burden. The thought of putting such a magnificent dog down just because I don't have the money to pay for it was an abhorrent thought that I spent many sleepless hours pondering. Fortunately, my friend Nadia who has rescued countless animals through her Golden Bone Rescue came to my rescue as well. She helped me realize there are generous people in the world who are willing to help and urged me to establish a fund raiser for Alpine. We are currently at $5000 in expenses and looking at another surgery (different from the first) that will run between $3 and $4K. So far we have raised $1375 which is amazing and I am so grateful. If you or anyone you know is sympathetic, empathetic, willing and able to donate please go to: www.gofundme.com/alpine-needs-another-surgery.

As I said, this is new territory for me - being a mom and in need. Anything you may be able to offer will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Diane and Alpine