Colleen Novakovich and her service dog, Tater Tot, are both cherished members of the Clairemont School community. Tater Tot is not just a companion for Colleen, who is a deaf special education teacher, but also a source of comfort and therapy for many students and staff. Every day, Tater Tot brings joy, love, and a sense of calm to those around her, making a positive impact on everyone she meets.

Recently, Tater Tot’s active lifestyle has taken a toll on her knees. Despite following a strict diet in preparation for a surgery we hoped to schedule over the summer, her condition has unfortunately progressed more quickly than expected. Now, she needs to have the procedure as soon as possible, with the next available surgery date set for March 11. After the surgery, Tater Tot will need two weeks of confinement to recover and regain her strength.

The cost of Tater Tot’s surgery and recovery is a significant financial burden for Colleen. The money raised through this fundraiser will go directly toward offsetting these expenses, ensuring that Tater Tot can get the care she needs and return to supporting our school community. Please help by donating what you can to support Tater Tot in her time of need—she gives us so much love every single day. Any amount is truly appreciated! Thank you in advance for your support!