Help Atlas Get Her Surgery

Hi! To those who know me/those who know Atlas, you know that she is what I consider to be my soul dog, and I'd even argue we look alike. To those who are new here, this is our story:

I rescued Atlas back in 2018 when she was only just weeks old; I visited the shelter where she was born with an original interest in one of her brothers. I walked up to the fence with the intent to get the attention of her brother, only to find that Atlas had chosen me on sight. I stuck my arm through the fence, and she placed her little head in the palm of my hand. From that moment on, it's safe to say she's been 100% a Daddy's girl, my best friend, my cuddle buddy, and my fur to cry on when things are tough (followed by her generosity of kissing away tears). I've never met a more empathetic dog; who's so incredibly in tune with everything and everyone around her. She embodies everything the world needs more of: genuine love and a good laugh from her foghorn-type snoring during naps.

She's not only changed my life but she's changed her big sister's life above all else. Her big sister, Shiah, protects her at all costs - you won't see them without each other attached at the hip. Unfortunately, Shiah nor I could protect Atlas from her recent accident. Just two weeks ago, Atlas was playing with Shiah out in the backyard (typical happy zoomies with the warm weather that's come about) and she suddenly lost her footing. She began limping, which I thought would resolve itself in a day or so after some rest - we all assume soreness is normal after exercise, until it's not. Her limping continued to get worse, so we went to the vet. Our vet completed X-rays, and we learned that Atlas tore her ACL/Meniscus.

It's been heartbreaking having to keep her calm with sedatives to avoid further tearing, but I don't have a lot of options at the moment. With the help of our vet, we have her on Trazodone, Gabapentin, and Anti-Inflammatory medications for pain management, but she needs TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) or TTA (tibial tuberosity advancement) surgery to correct this. I've contacted a surgeon with referrals through my vet, and I'm looking to schedule her surgery with a tentative date of July 22, 2024. Unfortunately, insurance will not cover the costs of the surgery and I feel that I am at a loss, as I don't have the money or even the credit availability to cover this. Every donation will go directly towards her surgery, as the surgery itself cost between $4,700-$4,900 depending on severity.

For those of you who do know me personally, you know how difficult it is for me to ask for help. With the state of the world right now, with everything going on and how hard it is for everyone* to make it week by week, I absolutely understand that this is a big ask. I just want my girl to run and play again, and I don't want her enduring this pain for an extended time if I can do something about it. I just want to thank everyone for your consideration with this; every little bit counts and matters.