Give Chappa a Pain-Free Future

As so many of you know, my brother had brought a 12-week-old pit bull puppy to Arizona with him last March and had a stroke at our home in April, leaving her behind. Even with all my medical issues and extra expenses with that, we took her in. Our house was full with 2 dogs and 2 cats of our own, we gave her the life we knew Eddie would have wanted for her. Last Sunday morning, we noticed she would bear NO weight on her rear leg. She seemed to be limping off and on but wanting to still be rambunctious and playful. Monday morning came, and I called our vet as a precaution. At this appointment, we were told she tore her cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), in human terms, her ACL. They even thought she might have valley fever. After x-rays and bloodwork, we found out after almost $700 she would need to be referred to an orthopedic veterinarian for surgery options. Thankfully no valley fever. This was after just paying for her spay and all vaccines again for all 5 of our fur babies! They gave us names of clinics they recommended, and we found out all were about $8000 to $10,000 for the type of surgery required or to manage it medically. We were told without this surgery, the leg will not be used and could atrophy and be amputated. They also said she would be in pain constantly; who could do that to this beautiful soul? Finally, deciding on a surgeon that was recommended to us after a week of keeping her down in a kennel, no running or jumping (yeah right with a year-old puppy), we finally get to the specialist. The doctor told us all the same things but also the sooner we do this, the better chance we would have with her living a completely normal life. No limping, no pain! They have set the surgery for next Friday, but we are not sure what to do.

In our hearts, we want to do the RIGHT thing. We saved up the $3000 needed this year for a spay, all vaccines and some other vet issues with our fur babies but there is no way now we can come up with what they quoted us today. Thankfully, it was less than originally but still $5400. No payment plans, no insurances, self-pay only. We never ask anyone for anything; we find a way. Unfortunately, this time there is no other way than to be humble and ask for some help. We know how bad this economy has hurt us all, and we understand if you are unable to help. I just don't want to ugly cry about this for the next week. Hell, I've even prayed to Eddie to help us find a way since he brought Chappa to us. This girl is so loving, beautiful, and has never met a person or dog she doesn't like. With all my medical issues, she has been a great comfort to me and makes me feel closer to my brother. She may be able to be a service dog, and we would like to work towards that. Please help by donating and/or sharing this over and over.

We thank you in advance for anything you can do!

The Meekins Family!