My name is Terra, single mom of 2 kids and 2 Fur babies. I’m a store manager and dog trainer. I’m stepping outside my comfort zone right now to ask for help for me and my dog Cash. Back before Christmas we noticed Cash was limping a lot. We took him to the vet and they discovered he had a torn CCL and recommended surgery as this is not something that would heal on its own. They did notice that his other leg was showing signs of concern as well, likely from overcompensation. Two days later he slipped outside in the ice and tore his other one. We took Cash to have a consult with an orthopaedic surgeon but sadly they couldn’t do the surgery at the time as his growth plates were not fully fused so we had to wait for this to take place before proceeding with surgery or it could cause even more issues. Cash was not quite 2 at the time. So we managed pain in the mean time and searched for alternatives. As the surgery was going to cost us $5000 / leg. With 8-12 weeks of recovery between each leg. Is there a cheaper option that would provide him relief? Sadly not. After consulting with a few vets they all advised us without this surgery Cash would likely lose function of both legs from crippling arthritis ( which they were already starting to see signs of), likely develop back and hip issues. Because he has been overcompensating he has put a large amount of pressure in his front end and lost all Muscle in his back end. So surgery is the only option to have him live a happy healthy life. This summer we had the follow up X-rays and saw that the plates are fused and surgery on the first leg should take place ASAP.

Here is why I’m asking for help. I recently separated from my husband and bought out the house. He gave me sole custody of the dogs. Bills are already tight right now as sole owner of the home and dogs and I don’t really have the extra money to pay for the surgery.

Having been a dog trainer for the last 3 years, my dogs are a big part of my life and I can’t imagine my life without them. They bring me so much joy and comfort on those hard days when I’m here by myself and feeling overwhelmed. Cash is so sweet and loving and deserves to live a long happy pain free life where he can also join his sibling on hikes and family walks.

It’s insanely hard for me to ask for help. But not only is the surgery a financial burden but I need to buy supplies to make my home recovery friendly, by purchasing gates and mats, special harness’s and lick sleeves. It also requires me to take time off work to care for him. And i only have so many sick and vacation days as I just switched jobs.

The high end quote is $5987/ leg. Low end is $5625. I appreciate any and all support during this time. His surgery takes place this Thursday September 11. I have been holding off asking for help hoping I could save enough for the first surgery but it’s just not possible.