My husband and I have a home in Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico. We shop at the local grocery store where we have befriended Ignacio (his friends call him Nacho), the fruit and produce stocker.

Talk Over Tomatoes

In our conversation with Nacho over tomatoes, he shared with us how sadly his dog, a 3-year-old mini shepherd named Jon Doe, was attacked by a pit bull while he was away at work.

How Jon Doe's Leg and Paw Broke

Nacho rents and lives in a very, very modest apartment in downtown Rosarito. During the attack, the onlooker, his landlord, tried to end it by using a stick with a nail to break the dogs apart. Unfortunately, she broke Jon Doe's leg while her pit bull was unscathed.

Sadly, Nacho could not seek immediate medical attention due to a lack of funds. After three months, he saw a vet who specializes in horses, but this vet didn't set the dog's leg accurately, and now the bones have fused improperly. Jon Doe faced losing his leg and paw. We all believe the landlord is responsible, but forcing this idea upon her would only jeopardize where Nacho lives. He only pays $100 per month to stay in his home---25 percent of his monthly salary at the grocery store. Rosarito wages are shamefully very low.

We Intervened to Provide Imminent Help

When we learned of this story, months had gone by after the attack. Nacho said Jon Doe's leg was infected. We immediately took the dog to our vet in Rosarito, where she said Jon Doe needs to see an orthopedic surgeon. A neighbor recommended a vet in the Playas of Tijuana. We asked if they could reset the bone. The vet recommended amputation of Jon Doe's leg. It would cost more than $1,100, not including medicine and post-op care. We wanted a third opinion, so we got antibiotics for the infection and recent X-rays at the consultation and started to search for a vet surgeon to save his leg.

Third Vet Opinion and Saving Jon Doe's Leg

After researching and talking to people, we finally found Dr. Gordian in Tijuana, a vet surgeon who has agreed to operate on Joe Doe to save his leg. Dr. Gordian is a renowned vet surgeon with exemplary reviews. The operation will cost 25,000 pesos, which is approximately $1,300 at the rate of 18 pesos to $1. The poor pupper suffers from multiple fractures and a broken leg for months. Dr. Gordian said he is going to put in pins and reset the bones so they can fuse properly. If Jon Doe's body doesn't respond, then amputation is necessary to save his life. He is three years old, so we believe he has a chance.

We are calling on friends, family, and the public to help save Jon Doe.

Nacho Has Cancer

A sadder caveat to this situation is that Nacho has cancer. Jon Doe brings happiness and love to Nacho while he's experienced health challenges. Nacho works hard for very little pay at the grocery store. His pay would be much below the poverty level in the U.S. He loves his dog so much that he tried to get immediate medical attention with the very little money he does have, making payments to a vet who didn't set the bones properly.

Please Help Us Save Jon Doe

Together, we can help Nacho in his situation. He'd be overcome with gratitude. We love animals and personally have four dogs, all rescues. Any contribution and/or repost of this campaign is appreciated and a blessing.