Here's something I never thought I'd be doing but when it comes to our fur babies, most will do anything. 

Meet Birdie!! My 8 month old rescue. Birdie and her litter mates were surrendered to a NJ rescue by owners who refused to have their dogs spayed and neutered resulting in unwanted litters. Thankfully the rescue took them in with the stipulation the owners fix her parents, and they did!

Now for Birdie’s story. Over the last couple of weeks, she started walking on 3 legs, holding her right rear leg up here and there. In the past week, it’s progressed significantly. She is now walking 24/7 on 3 legs. Her vet diagnosed her with a Medial Luxating Patella, meaning her kneecap pops out of place. It’s genetic, common in smaller dogs and not due to an injury. Even though she’s been a trooper, it is painful and affecting her daily life. To make matters worse, it is also now happening with her left knee.

Today was a consult with an orthopedic vet. This is not curable without expensive surgery and in today’s world, who can afford it? I can't, and that hurts. Pet insurance won't cover it, even if there was not a pre-existing condition.

Without surgery on her right knee, her quality of life will diminish as she ages and she’s only a mere 8 months old now. The surgery is extensive. 3 procedures done at the same time…deepening the groove where the kneecap sits, trimming and tightening ligaments, and repositioning her shin bone. The success rate is 90%.

This is at a cost of at least $5,000 and that’s for one knee! I have to hope and pray her left one doesn’t progress because then it would turn grim.

Her daily walks and visits to the dog park (which is behind our building) with her brother Bogey (another rescue) are no longer possible. She sits at the front door whining as she watches him go and it’s heartbreaking to see. She will have to spend a lot of her time crated so she uses her leg as little as possible.

Anyone who knows me, knows I don't ask for anything. But I am now, for any donation small or large. It will be appreciated more than I can ever express. All donations will go to Howell Animal Hospital & Surgery Center who is treating her and who will, hopefully soon, do her right knee surgery. The goal is to have it the week of September 15th so she doesn’t damage the better knee more by favoring it.

Birdie thanks you from the bottom of her tiny heart.