Hi everyone. This is really hard for me to write. The reason I haven’t talked about this much is because it is literally breaking my heart in half to even say it out loud, let alone accept that this is happening. Writing this feels surreal. My dog Parmesan tore both ACLs in his hind legs and he cannot move them at all. He is in constant, excruciating pain. Watching him go through this has been absolutely heartbreaking. He still tries to be near me. He will pull himself across the floor using only his front legs, slowly dragging his body just to lay next to me. Seeing him do that breaks me every time. Any small movement causes him pain. He cries when we have to reposition him or try to pick him up. Things that used to be normal for him are now unbearable.

Parmesan was such an energetic, playful, happy dog. He loved moving, following me around, being involved in everything. Now all he can do is lay still. We have to hand feed him and give him water. We use a towel or physically hold him up just so he can go to the bathroom. He cannot stand or walk on his own. After multiple vet visits, X rays, and specialist appointments, we were told surgery is the only option to relieve his pain and give him a chance to walk again. Without surgery, his condition will continue to worsen and lead to severe arthritis and permanent damage. To make this even more urgent, Parmesan has a heart murmur. That means anesthesia needs to happen as soon as possible. Waiting increases the risk to his heart and also causes more damage to his legs.

So far I have already spent so much on diagnostics, imaging, medications, and consults. His pet insurance denied coverage. The total cost for both surgeries plus the physical therapy he will need afterward is expected to be significant. I am honestly so embarrassed to have to ask for help, especially with how hard things are right now. But I am desperate to help my baby. Parmesan has gotten me through some of the hardest times in my life. He is my comfort, my constant, my family. He is only six years old and has so much life left to live. He deserves the chance to move without pain again. Anything helps. Truly. Donations, shares, prayers, good energy, all of it matters more than I can explain. Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping me fight for my boy. Moe