Help Miriam Walk Again

Miriam is a beautiful young Maremma with the gentlest nature — and a future that now depends on urgent surgery.

She came into the care of Southern Downs ARK after being rescued from the local pound. ARK is a registered, no-kill animal rescue charity based in Warwick, Queensland.

Despite everything, Miriam is affectionate, trusting and full of life.

She wants to run, play and simply be a dog — but right now, even walking is a struggle.

Behind that sweet smile, she is living with a serious and painful condition.

What’s Wrong

Miriam has been diagnosed with severe deformities in both of her back legs, including valgus deformity of the stifle joints and bilateral patella luxation.

In simple terms, her legs are not aligned properly. This causes pain, instability, and increasing difficulty walking.

Without surgery, her condition will continue to worsen — leading to chronic pain and a severely limited quality of life.

What She Needs

Miriam has been assessed by Condamine Veterinary Clinic, who have engaged a veterinary orthopaedic specialist, Dr Tom Smith.

She requires major corrective surgery on both legs, involving realignment procedures to restore proper function.

Estimated costs:

This is a significant and urgent expense — but it is her only real chance at a normal life.

We are aiming to raise $16,000 to cover Miriam’s surgery and give her the future she deserves.

Why This Matters

Miriam is still just a young dog. With surgery, she has every chance of living a full, active and pain-free life — the life she was meant to have.

Without it, she faces a future of ongoing pain and limited mobility.

How You Can Help

We are asking for your help to give Miriam that chance.

Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly towards her surgery and recovery.

If you are not in a position to donate, simply sharing Miriam’s story can make an enormous difference.

Thank you

On behalf of Miriam and everyone at Southern Downs ARK, THANK YOU for taking the time to read her story — and for helping us give her the life she deserves.