Help Give Kirstin's Pup Gimli a Chance: Urgent Surgery Need

Hi everyone,

My name is Kyla, and I’m starting this GoFundMe on behalf of my dear friend Kirstin and her incredible dog, Gimli. Kirstin is one of the most caring people I know. She is the first person to show up for those who need it and has helped me and my family so much when I was desperately trying to secure childcare for my twin girls. Kiki stepped up and went above and beyond to help me look after them and provide child care. She is an amazing aunt to my daughters, and her dogs are truly her babies.

Right now, she’s facing one of the hardest challenges of her life: trying to save Gimli, her 13-month-old puppy, who desperately needs surgery to replace both of his hips.

Gimli’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Kirstin rescued him last year when he was just 3 months old from a local Mennonite farm where the conditions weren’t ideal. From the moment they met, she felt an instant connection and knew she had to give him a better life. Gimli quickly became a cherished member of her family, getting along with everyone and learning from his big dog brother, Jacks.

Gimli is such a gentle, sweet soul. He’s a fast learner, full of energy and love, and has become Kirstin’s constant companion. Whether he’s tagging along on errands or greeting everyone he meets with his wagging tail, he’s brought so much joy to Kirstin’s life—and to anyone who’s had the pleasure of meeting him.

But this past May, everything changed. Kirstin noticed that Gimli was dragging his back legs, struggling to move, and not acting like his usual happy self. After weeks of tests and waiting, the diagnosis came back: Gimli has bilateral hip dysplasia, meaning his hips aren’t formed properly, and it’s already causing degenerative joint disease. The only way to give him a normal, pain-free life is through surgery—major surgery on both hips.

Each hip replacement surgery is estimated to cost over $10,000, meaning Kirstin is looking at a total of more than $20,000 to give Gimli the chance he deserves at a happy, pain-free life. Kirstin is doing everything she can to raise the funds—selling personal belongings and exploring every possible avenue—but it’s a huge financial burden for her to carry alone.

Gimli is still so young, only about 13 months old, and he deserves to live a full life running, playing, and growing up with his family. Kirstin is a dedicated and loving dog mom who treats her dogs like her own children. This surgery is critical to giving Gimli a future where he can thrive.

That’s why I’m asking for your help. Any contribution, no matter the size, will go directly toward Gimli’s surgeries and recovery. Your kindness will give this little pup the chance to run and play again alongside his brother, Jacks.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read Gimli’s story. If you’re able to donate or even share this fundraiser, it would mean the world to Kirstin, Gimli, and their entire family.