Hemy is our beloved 14-year-old rescue pitbull, and he’s been a cherished part of our family for nearly a decade. We've been lucky to have a healthy boy for all these years, but he has a costly TPLO surgery scheduled for October 21. We're hoping you can help our family during this challenging time by contributing a donation and/or by sharing our fundraiser. Thank you for you consideration!

Our Story

Hemingway is an oversized lap dog with a heart of gold, always attuned to the emotions of those around him. You'd never know it from looking at him that he was abandoned by his previous caretakers, and found when another neighborhood dog kept going to the house he'd been left at. He came to Oregon with scars around his neck and visible ribs, malnourished, and afraid of being left alone. Hemy was surrendered again, numerous times, to One Tail At A Time, our local beloved dog rescue, where Cesar eventually fostered and fell in love with Hemy, quickly deciding he would be his forever home. Then, one year later, the pair moved into to their forever home with Emilly, a few blocks away.

In 2017, Hemy and Cesar were the featured speakers at One Tail at a Time's Bone Ball fundraiser. Here's a cute pic we snapped at the photo booth.

Whether he’s cuddled up for belly rubs, sniffing around the garden, or getting into mischief, Hemy brings joy and laughter to our home every day. Even now, as a silver fox, he loves showing off his agility, getting the zoomies, and trying to clear the front steps—even now, with a cruciate ligament tear in his left knee (like mom!) His favorite word is “treat,” and he’s never shy about helping himself to the strawberries we grow each season. Hemy is truly our favorite co-worker and employee of the month, and we want nothing more than for him to enjoy his golden years with comfort and mobility.

Recently, Hemy suffered a torn ligament in his knee—the dog equivalent of an ACL injury—and needs TPLO surgery to walk again. His procedure is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21st, and he is expected to make a 95% recovery with the right care. The surgery and 16-week recovery period is arduous, with those first two weeks expected to be incredible challenging, requiring close 24-hour watch and sleepless nights as Hemy heals from this major surgery. Even though we know it will be challenging, we’re committed to giving Hemy the best chance at a happy, active life.

Unfortunately, this comes at a time when our family is facing additional hardship. Emilly has been dealing with a hand injury since July, which has required expensive out-of-pocket medical visits, increased costs to hire support for all of her gigs requiring AV equipment, and it has ultimately forced her to pause care and the recommended MRI until she can get better insurance in the new year. Cesar has also faced his own ongoing medical struggles amid a prolonged recovery from a labrum ligament and quad muscle tear.

The financial, physical, and emotional strain has made it difficult to keep up with all of our needs at this time. It's all happening at once, and we are doing our best to make it work. Every aspect of daily life has become more complicated, and we’re doing our best to avoid being financially destabilized by these overlapping challenges.

We’re asking for help to cover the cost of Hemy’s surgery and recovery so he can continue to enjoy the simple pleasures he loves—walks, garden adventures, and plenty of cuddles. Your support will make a direct impact on Hemy’s quality of life and help our family navigate this difficult moment. Our financial foundation is at risk, and as we plan for our own care while considering expanding our family, we're doing our best to remain on steady ground.

We are so grateful to everyone for considering a donation to help Hemy walk again and keep our family strong, and for any support that can be made by sharing our fundraiser. Any amount at all helps, and we are so thankful.

If you're interested in supporting in other ways, we are also hosting "PARI PARA LOS PERRITOS" on Thursday, October 16 in a joint fundraising effort for Hemy and another sweet dog, Oscar. We're looking for raffle donations! We would also welcome gift cards for food delivery or a meal prep service for the surgery recovery period.

Thank you <3

With Love,

The Ramirez Prado Family

How Funds Will Be Used:

DISCLAIMER: No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, services, trades, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to your GoFundMe. Each donation is a gift where full consideration (measured in money or money's worth) is not received in return.

Photo from Hemy's successful ultrasound on Monday, September 29! He walked away with a clean bill of health, ensuring he's a solid candidate for surgery.