Update 2/26/2026:  Bella was doing well for the past few months, but it looks like she has not built enough scar tissue to fully heal her ACL tear/rupture like I had hoped.

She is currently unable to bear any weight on her right hind leg.  I currently have her resting as much as possible.  This is breaking my heart.  She’s too young to be going through all of this.  

The surgeon said that the TPLO surgery was needed ASAP and she was right, but I’m stuck because I still don’t have nearly enough money to cover the costs.  I have been putting as much as I can into her account every month.  I did qualify for $1,000 from Care Credit so this also helps so much.  

It’s so frustrating that her insurance said that they will cover the costs, but that I have to front the money first.  She is on a 90/10 plan which means they’ll reimburse me 90% of the costs, but I need to come up with the money first.

I will also need to take her in for another consultation and updated X-rays since so much time has passed since the initial consultation and X-rays.  

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As many know, Bella has had stage 2 osteoarthritis in her elbows and wrists

since she was a puppy. She receives monthly laser therapy and adequan injections to try to slow the progression.

At her young age of only 3 years old, she now has an ACL injury in her right knee. She had an X-ray that showed the ACL injury and it also showed that she now has osteoarthritis secondary to the ACL injury as well as hip dysplasia.

To help stabilize Bella’s knee, a surgery known as a TPLO is needed. This surgery is estimated to cost around $8,000 (see pictures of estimates)

Without this surgery, her

Bella is a very active working dog. She is so young, athletic and full of life. She just wants to have fun and be a dog, but due to her existing conditions and now ACL tear/rupture, she’s unable to do the things she loves such as playing tug, flirt pole, and simply just running around and being a dog. 

Our sniffari walks which she also enjoys have also been cut short in order to prevent further damage to her knee. Bella has overcome so much adversity, not only physically, but mentally as well.

She also struggles with severe behavioral issues, but thanks to the trainers we have worked with, we have seen so much improvement. She can now go on walks without reacting to everything that moves.  

Everyone is struggling so this makes it so hard for me to ask for help again.  I don’t qualify for any loans.  I tried applying everywhere, even with Care Credit.  

Unfortunately, even though I have been actively trying to pay down my debt and rebuild my credit, this is going to take time, time in which Bella does not have. She is already showing muscle loss in her right hind leg and it will only progress the longer she goes on without the surgery.

She also risks damaging her meniscus and tearing her ACL in her left knee.  50% of dogs that have one ACL injury will develop one in their other leg as well.

Please help me help Bella if you are able to. Anything helps, even if you are unable to donate, simply sharing this post would be so helpful.

We cannot seem to catch a break and it is not fair to Bella.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you in advance for any help you can provide. Bella and I appreciate it so much.

Love,

Bella and Erin