Help Touka walk without pain: Urgent surgery needed

Hi, we're AJ and Tiffany!

Touka (toe-ka) is our beloved 3.5-year old Chow Chow and AJ’s ESA who urgently needs TPLO surgery on both of his hind legs due to a CCL (cranial cruciate ligament) tear, which is similar to a human’s ACL. Because he already has elbow dysplasia and arthritis in his front legs, TPLO surgery is urgently needed so he can walk without constant pain. The more weight he places on his hind legs to avoid the pain of arthritis, the worse the tear becomes, and vice versa. Without surgery, all 4 of his legs will deteriorate.

Touka has always had so much personality; he’s sassy, stubborn, and genuinely a very sweet, gentle boy—people always comment on how unusually friendly he is, especially for a Chow. He’s not interested in food or toys at all, and really only loves smelling and running around—which makes it that much more essential for his quality of life that he receives this surgery. It’s his best option for regaining full mobility and being able to spend the rest of his life doing what he loves (chasing squirrels). To call it life-changing for a young dog like Touka wouldn’t be an exaggeration.

His first round of vet visits (7/25/24) was $4,254 and the estimate for his TPLO surgery is $9,154. His vet also recommended he do several forms of physical therapy, which is estimated at around $1,500-$2,000 for a once-a-week session for 12 weeks. There was never a question of doing what needs to be done, but this is honestly beyond our means at the moment.

We’d really, really appreciate any and all help anyone might be able to give. We love Touka so much and just want to give him the best life possible. Thank you so much for listening and being part of Touka’s journey—your support truly means the world to us.