Help Spike for his elbow surgery

Hello, my name is Karine, I’m 19 years old, from New Caledonia (so I’m French), and I’ve been studying in Australia on the Gold Coast for a year.

Financially, I balance two jobs alongside my studies: I work as a waitress and a cleaner. My family also support me as much as they can. I live in a small apartment that has a balcony. A few months ago, I adopted a puppy named Spike, a miniature dachshund who is now 5 months old. Having grown up with dogs in New Caledonia, the opportunity to adopt one here in Australia felt like a dream come true.

I walk Spike 1 to 2 times a day. He’s an affectionate, gentle dog who loves to play but is also very curious. I’ve set up a potty pad on my balcony so Spike can go to the bathroom when we’re not outside, and he usually stays cautious on the balcony.

However, something terrible happened on Monday, September 16th. I was in my living room, which overlooks the balcony, and I was watching Spike outside. I only turned away for a couple of minutes when suddenly Spike fell from the balcony. My balcony has barriers, but there’s space underneath them, and he slipped through. When I realized what had happened, I thought it was the end. Spike had fallen two floors onto a platform that decorates the building.

When I looked over the edge, I saw him lying there, not moving. I thought I’d lost him. With the help of my neighbors, I managed to get him down and rushed him to the vet immediately. That same day, we were told that Spike was lucky, he only had a broken toe (according to the vet). The consultation, X-ray radios, bandages, overnight care at the emergency center, and everything else cost me over $3000.

Up until today (September 25th), everything seemed fine. Spike was recovering well, almost as if nothing had happened. However, regular vet check-ups were still necessary for his bandages and to ensure everything was healing properly. Today, during a follow-up visit, I received shocking news: Spike actually has a fractured elbow.

I was devastated because we had only been told about the broken toe. The fracture hadn’t shown up in the initial X-rays. The vet explained that Spike now needs surgery, and the cost could exceed $5000 if complications arise.

Given my current financial situation, it is nearly impossible for me to cover the full cost of the surgery, which is why I’m turning to you for help. The vet mentioned that, financially, the least expensive option would be to amputate his leg, but I don’t even want to consider that.

If you could spare even 5 dollars, it would make a world of difference in saving Spike’s leg. This is my first time doing something like that and I hope it is going to be the last. Thank you so much for your support, it means everything to me and Spike.

P.S: Of course, I have taken all the precaution to make my balcony as safe as possible from now on!