Help Delilah Heal -- Recovery Fund for Deaf Pup's Surgery

Hey There (Meet) Delilah.

She’s a one-year-old deaf rescue pup with the sassiest spirit you’ve ever met — a Cattle Dog/Pit/Pyrenees mix who’s goofy, loves the beach, and is endlessly resilient.

Delilah was found alone on the streets of Oklahoma at just 8 weeks old, deaf and abandoned. Thanks to incredible rescue organizations in Tulsa and the surrounding areas, she was transported to San Diego, where I adopted her through Helen Woodward Animal Center. Since the jump she’s been my number one girl, but it took almost no time at all to realize something seemed “off.”

Then on December 1st, Delilah suddenly collapsed. She couldn’t put weight on her back legs and my roommate had to come pick us up from the park since she couldn't walk home. That terrifying moment sent us down a path of endless tests, MRIs, X-rays, pain meds, and specialist visits. Over the past 8 months, she’s had some good days and some really painful ones, but throughout them all Delilah has been a little spit fire who is hesitant to show pain and nonstop in her desire to play like a “normal” puppy.

Now, she needs surgery. On August 7th, she’ll undergo arthroscopic surgery on both elbows to remove bone fragments and reduce the chronic pain she’s been living with every day. While they still aren’t 100% certain of the cause (likely genetic or due to early-life trauma), the vets agree that surgery is a necessary next step if she’s ever going to a live pain-free life.

What the funds will cover:

- $5,400 for her double elbow surgery

-3+ months of physical therapy

- Pain meds and long-term orthopedic management

- Reimbursement for the $8,000+ already spent on diagnostics & care

Why we’re asking for help:

I’ve tried to cover everything I could and my extremely generous family has helped fill in the gaps — even with pet insurance, I have a $500 deductible, only 80% reimbursement on approved claims, and some treatments haven’t been covered at all. At $75/month for insurance and thousands in out-of-pocket costs, this has become a massive emotional and financial challenge.

Delilah is still just a baby. She deserves the chance to run, to play, to live without pain. If you’re able to give even a few dollars, or simply share this campaign with others, it would mean the world to both of us.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for reading her story and believing in her healing. I’ll post regular updates here so you can follow her journey every step of the way. ❤️