There is a specific look a dog gives you when they don’t understand why their body is failing them. For Kuma, our 7-year-old Husky mix, that look has become a daily reality.

Kuma has always been the heartbeat of our home. She is the shadow that follows us from room to room, the gentle soul who greets every morning with a wagging tail, and the girl who lived for her walks and the wind in her fur. But lately, that vibrant life has gone quiet.

Since November, we’ve watched Kuma’s world shrink. It started with a slight limp—a small hitch in her step that we hoped was just a strain. We spent months in rehab, trying everything to help her. We did hip X-rays, monthly Cartrophen injections to manage her pain, and countless hours of physical therapy. We held onto hope that she was getting better.

But the limping didn't stop. This past Monday, a new set of X-rays gave us the news that broke our hearts: Kuma has partially torn the ligaments in both of her back knees.

Every step she takes now is a struggle. She wants to run, she wants to play, but her body won't let her. Seeing her try to get up, only to see her back legs tremble and give way, is a pain I can't describe.

Why We Are Asking for Help

Kuma needs two major surgeries to fix her knees, and the estimate cost per knee is about $6,000. . As much as we wish we could cover all the cost ourselves, we simply cannot do it alone.

Our immediate, desperate goal is to raise enough to fix her right knee—the one causing her the most agony—and to get her a medical brace for the left side to keep her stable.

A Second Chance at Being a Dog

At 7 years old, Kuma should have years of sunshine, treats, and slow walks ahead of her. She isn't ready to give up, and neither are we. We are asking for your empathy and your help to give Kuma her life back.

Whether it’s $5 or just sharing this story with someone who loves animals, you are helping a sweet, innocent dog find her footing again.

Thank you for loving Kuma alongside us.