I’ve been fostering Howie through Chula Vista Animal Services for almost 4 months now, and I can honestly say that he is the bestest boy. I’ve never met a dog more happy-go-lucky than Howie. He loves everything and everyone. Every day is a fun adventure, and every person is a new friend. He is a dog who truly loves life.

Despite being the bestest boy and deserving the bestest things, Howie’s struggling. His legs have been wonky ever since I started fostering him (and let’s be real, probably since before he got to the shelter). But over the past 1.5 months, they’ve been getting worse. Howie used to love going on multiple long walks a day, and now a 10-minute walk is too hard for him. Despite being on tons of pain meds, he has days where he goes to sleep in pain and wakes up in pain. His mind is still young and happy, but his body is failing him.

We met with a neurologist at VSH who seems hopeful that we can get Howie his mobility back and give him another good 5 years of life, like he deserves. But that requires diagnostics, which cost around $9k. And then treatment after that, which likely won’t be cheap. We’re starting to talk about QoL for Howie. Which is heartbreaking, because it shouldn’t be this way. He should be able to be a 7 year old dog, doing 7 year old dog things. He deserves to find a forever family.

This is where you all step in. If you feel so inclined, please donate to Howie’s medical care. Please share with friends and family. Please help me give this perfect and sweet boy a second chance at life, before it’s too late.