Almost one year ago while breaking down our camp site and packing up to go home, an emaciated white German Shepherd puppy entered our tent and made herself at home on the sleeping bags of my three children.
She was so frail; limping and wincing in pain, covered in filth and fleas, desperate for food and affection. We knew we could not leave her behind as her fate in the mountains would certainly mean more of the same, so into the truck she went.  At the bottom of the hill,  we took her to the first vet who would see her; Dr. Young at Discovery Valley Animal Hospital in San Marcos. She was not spayed, not microchipped, and had no evidence of an owner and every sign of neglect. My intention was to nurse her back to health and adopt her out to the perfect family for her.
Arrow is an epic foster fail.  She is wild and was feral for quite some time. She eats all the things; shoes, clothing, paper, towels. Everything. But she has proven to be loyal, loving, brave, and true to her herd here at home. And, she has greatly improved quality of life for Yoshi. He is so happy to have a sister to herd and play with! 
Last week, Arrow received her official diagnosis of Osteochondritis Dissecans. What this means is that Arrow must have surgery to remove troubling cartilage lesions and have her bone shaved to prevent certain  lameness in her right shoulder. Without treatment, she will only know grave pain and become immobile over time as the bone continues to be deformed due to excess cartilage. And now, it's Go Time in helping Arrow get on track to living  a pain-free life for the first time.
Arrow will have her surgery the week of April 15 so that I can be home with her over Spring Break as she heals. While not nearly as difficult or as Yoshi's, it is incredibly expensive. 
While a great many people would never do what I am doing; crowdfunding for a surgery for a dog, some will. I know that there are huge issues people deal with every day, and that Arrow won't register as valuable for people, but for some, she will. 
If you decide to contribute to her fund, you can go through Go Fund Me or contribute directly to her case at Veterinary Specialist Hospital in Sorrento Valley. The cost of the surgery will be around $6,300. This Go Fund Me will help cover what I am not able to finance.  I have applied to FACE, the Brown Dog Foundation, Paws 4 A Cure, and many others and am awaiting an answer. 
I am so grateful for any help you provide for me - I promise I am slingin' gnomes and dehydrating placentas to make this happen with as much cash as I can get together! 
Thank you for getting me and for getting my Shepherds! 
love,
Claire and Arrow