Hi, this is Pauline, Roo's owner. 6 years ago I adopted Roo from the Pasadena Humane Society. From the moment I saw him it was love at first sight and I knew he would be coming home with me. After five days of paperwork, protocol , neutering and visiting him every day, he was finally able to come home with us and he's been the light of my life ever since. Roo is truly everything to my family and me, and we couldn't imagine our lives without him. He means the world to us, so when we learned that he suffers from a genetic luxating patella in both hind legs, it was incredibly worrisome to us.

A few days ago, Roo was playing with our other 2 year old chihuahua, Kai, and he slipped and hurt his leg. He has been shaking and limping ever since. We took him to the vet and learned that his luxating patella has led him to develop some arthritis in his knees. The trauma of the slip has also caused damage to his joints. We were told that osteoarthritis is incurable in dogs once it sets in and the only solution to his pain is to have surgery in order to place his knees in the correct position.

This surgery will not only fix Roo's luxating patella, but it will prevent him from developing more arthritis, which could lead to lameness in his legs and the inability to walk on his own. As of now, Roo is unable to walk for very long. His legs begin to shake at times, and there have been instances where he has collapsed trying to stand up on his own. It breaks our hearts to watch him unable to do the things that he loves most as a dog.

We'd never ask if we didn't truly need the help, but with the high cost of this specific surgery and aftercare we are unable to move forward with it without financial help. Insurance won't cover a pre- existing condition, and Roo will only get worse as time goes on without this surgery.

I know times are tough right now, but we are absolutely grateful for anything!!!! All we want is for our sweet little Roo to stop suffering in pain and to be able to walk, run and play again.

Thank you!!!