Benny's Journey: From Dumpster to Surgery

Update: All funds are being refunded back to all the original donors. We were not successful in raising enough for his hip replacement surgery so we’ve decided to make him comfortable with pain medication until his quality of life starts to decline.

Thank you all for wanting to support Benny!

My name is Shelly and I live in Soddy Daisy, TN. I am a foster mama for MCKAMEY ANIMAL CENTER. I fostered Benny after he was found in a box by a dumpster, emaciated and anemic from fleas. He was about 2-3 months old at that time. I decided to adopt him after fostering him because he was and still is afraid of anyone except me due to the abuse he suffered as a pup.

When he was about a year old, he was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. He turned 2 yesterday, 3/24/25. We’ve had him on Cosequin since his diagnosis, but it has just recently stopped working. We’ve just started him on Dasaquin since it’s stronger, along with pain meds. He no longer uses that leg, and we’re afraid the other hip will suffer if something isn’t done soon.

The cost of a hip replacement ranges between 10k-12k just for the procedure alone. The primary goal is to get him to UT Veterinary Medical Center for the surgery. Obviously, we need help with this, or euthanasia is our last resort. He’s so extremely gentle. He’s loved on every foster puppy and kitten I’ve brought home, and there have been a lot! I fostered 42 animals last year alone. I absolutely HATE that his life has come down to money. I never expected him to have this condition this early in life.

I’m asking for donations and prayers to save his life. If you can help with either, we’d be more than grateful and Benny will live!

If any questions arise, my email is