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Update: March 21, 2026, and my husband is still without work. My income can not cover all expenses. I feel completely overwhelmed, anxious, and scared for our future. Every day brings more uncertainty, and it’s taking a toll on all of us.

Hi, my name is Natalia, admin of the Facebook community Dogs Matter Rescue Adopt Foster Share, and this is my beloved, kindest, and smartest daughter — Ariel (Esa). We rescued her when she was just 2 months old, and from that very day she became our true ray of sunshine. She's also quite the polyglot, responding to commands in both Russian and English!

Our world changed when her pain began.

After 5 years of a carefree life, Ariel began having problems. First, a slight limp after the beach. I didn't pay much attention, thinking she was just tired. But the limp became more and more pronounced. The veterinarians diagnosed her with a Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon Luxation in her right rear hock. At the end of 2023, she underwent her first major surgery, which cost us $5,000.

This condition means that a tendon in the back of her ankle joint had slipped out of its normal position, causing pain, instability, and difficulty walking. Without treatment, it can worsen over time and lead to chronic pain or permanent joint damage.

A Year of Battle: Two More Surgeries and Debts

This was followed by 8 weeks of difficult rehabilitation. Ariel is a very attached girl, like a small child, and couldn't be left alone. And we live in a condo on the second floor... We had to carry her up and down in our arms. All 80lb. My back still reminds me of it. She wasn't allowed to run, jump, and walks were limited to just 5-15 minutes.

Six months later — a new limp, a new surgery. This time, it was a TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) on her left rear leg with arthroscopy — bone cut, plates & screws. (July 2024). The bill came to $7,200. Another 8 weeks of restrictions, pain, and care. We managed to pay for these surgeries...

TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) is a major orthopedic surgery performed to repair a torn knee ligament in dogs. During the procedure, the surgeon cuts the bone, rotates it to a new position, and secures it with metal plates and screws. This allows the knee to function again without pain.

It is considered one of the most invasive and complex surgeries in veterinary medicine. Recovery is long and difficult, usually requiring 8–12 weeks of strict rest, limited walking, no running or jumping, and careful rehabilitation. Without this surgery, most dogs cannot walk comfortably and live in chronic pain.

EMERGENCY: The Third Surgery and Loss of Income

It seemed the nightmare was over. But in December 2025, Ariel started limping again — this time on her front legs. The diagnosis: bilateral elbow dysplasia. An urgent, life-changing third surgery: Elbow Arthroscopy with Medial Coronoid Process Removal - Bilateral Elbow was required to alleviate the pain and give her a chance at a normal life. On December 19, 2025, she underwent this surgery on her both front legs.

Elbow Arthroscopy with Medial Coronoid Process Removal (Bilateral) is a surgery used to treat elbow dysplasia. A small camera is inserted into both elbows, and damaged bone fragments causing pain are removed to improve mobility and reduce discomfort.

After surgery, the doctor prescribed Adequan Canine injections for 4 weeks, with 2 shots per week. Unfortunately, the doctor cannot guarantee that Ariel will fully recover, and she may require additional treatments in the future.

Below are photos showing the bone fragments removed from both the left and right legs.

The total cost for Ariel's latest surgery was $7,140. I have attached the official Invoice and post-operative report for full transparency. This bill has been placed on a credit card, adding significant stress.

We covered Ariel's first two surgeries ourselves when we were financially able. Our situation changed drastically in October 2025 when my husband lost his job (Termination notice), cutting our household income by more than half.

Now, my income is our only support. My bi-weekly take-home pay is about $2,400 (Profit and Loss of my company for 2025), which simply cannot cover our essential monthly bills—including:

We are committed to Ariel's care—she is family—but we need help with this specific debt to ensure her recovery isn't overshadowed by financial strain.

Our Goal: Healing Without Hardship

We are raising $8,000 to directly cover Ariel's surgery bill ($7,140) and her essential recovery costs (medications, follow-up care). Your support would lift this weight from our shoulders, allowing us to focus entirely on her healing and giving her the happy, active life she deserves.

How You Can Help Ariel

We will post regular updates on Ariel's recovery journey. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support.

With deepest gratitude,

Natalia & Family

Documents

Surgery #3

Surgery #3

2nd surgery

Ariel before 3rd surgery

Ariel before last surgery video

https://youtube.com/shorts/fzCvP1z9rOs?feature=share