My name is Anna, and I’m reaching out for help as both my dog Freddie and I are facing surgeries that will help us get our lives back. Freddie, who is only six years old, tore his ACL while doing what he loves most—chasing a ball. Since then, he’s been resting for over a month, but he still sometimes walks on three legs and has gotten sick twice from his medications. Freddie is such a big part of our family, always ready for an adventure with me and my son, Kaiya. He has so much life left to live, and it breaks my heart to see him unable to enjoy the outdoors with us.

At the same time, I’ve been struggling with a painful cyst in my ankle for over a year. The swelling and discomfort have made it hard for me to walk, hike, or even wear most shoes. I miss being able to get outside and be active with my family. I just want my life back, to be able to do the things I love and keep up with my son and Freddie.

Most of the funds raised will go toward Freddie’s surgery. As a single mother, I don’t have the resources to cover this on my own. The rest will help me during my recovery from ankle surgery, since I’ll be missing some work and want to make sure my son is cared for (he can make nachos, but that’s about it!). I’m grateful for the friends and community who have always supported us, but I’m still nervous about the financial strain.

Family and friends—your support would mean the world to us. We want to get back to our normal lives, chasing balls, hiking, swimming, and enjoying every moment together. It truly takes a village, and we’re reaching out to ours. Thank you for considering helping our little family heal and get back on our feet.