Hi friends, family, and neighbors – I'm reaching out on behalf of my Uncle Rick, Auntie Riza, cousin Maxine, and their 6-year-old dog (German Shepherd Mix), River.

Four days ago, while running at the park, River suddenly lost the use of both of his hind legs. After our family carried him into the car and rushed him to the vet, they learned he had torn both of his ACLs.

The vet also told them surgery was the best chance for River to walk normally again, but that it would cost $5,000 per leg – $10,000 total.

For financial reasons, my aunt and uncle had to decline surgery and take River home that night – settling for pain meds while they watched their poor boy struggle.

For the last 4 days, sweet River has been crying – unable to stand, walk, eat, or go to the bathroom on his own. My family has been sleeping with him in the living room every night because he can't make it up the steps to his normal place.

The good news is, the vet said surgery on one leg is still an option to start and if we can save up for both legs, he has a chance at his normal life as the young, happy, and loving boy he's always been.

But River can't have surgery without financial help. We're asking, with humility, if you would consider helping us give him a chance to walk again.

Every donation, no matter how small, would mean the world to us and to him. If you’re unable to give, sharing this would help more than you know.

Thank you for reading and for being part of River's story