Hi!

This fundraiser was originally created by Paula, a close friend who wanted to help Nikki and her dog Freya. Due to GoFundMe’s location requirements, the campaign needs to be managed by someone in Canada, so I (Bailey) am running it on Paula’s behalf to make sure Freya can get the help she needs.

Freya is a 5-month-old German Shepherd puppy who has already grown to over 75 pounds, an incredibly rapid growth that is contributing to her current condition. She lives with her owner, Nikki, alongside Fawkes (Nikki’s service dog) and their five cats, and she’s a deeply loved part of the family.

In April, Freya suddenly began experiencing severe pain. After multiple vet visits, the exact diagnosis is still pending as they are currently waiting for a CT scan date. However, it appears to be a combination of a torn ACL and a developmental issue in her elbow joint, likely linked to how quickly she has grown.

Freya does have pet insurance, but coverage for this situation is still being disputed. Even if the claim is approved, it is unlikely to cover the full cost of her treatment.

The cost of surgery alone is estimated at $1,000 to $8,000 per leg. On top of that, Freya will require up to a year of physical therapy to recover fully.

Nikki is already facing financial strain. She is living with a brain injury from a past car accident and works as a teacher, a demanding job, especially while managing a disability. With ongoing uncertainty in Ontario’s education system and the possibility of strikes, her income may soon be disrupted, making it even harder to cover Freya’s urgent medical needs, as well as ongoing care for her other animals.

Nikki is the kind of person who always shows up for other, her students, her friends, her animals but she would never feel comfortable asking for help herself. That's why we're asking on her behalf.

If you’re able to donate or share this fundraiser, it would mean so much to us. Every contribution helps give Freya a chance at a pain-free life.

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