Hi, my name is Sydney, and this is Trooper—my 115 lb, white German Shepherd and the love of my life.

I found Trooper as a puppy on Craigslist seven years ago. The moment I saw him, I knew—this dog was going to be my whole world. And I’ve been his. We've done everything together. Through heartbreaks, moves, school, and every up and down, Trooper has never left my side. He’s loyal, gentle, silly, and endlessly loving. He doesn’t ask for much—just to be near me. But now, he needs something I can’t give him on my own.

Trooper needs hip replacement surgery. He can barely walk. It’s devastating to watch this otherwise healthy, vibrant dog struggle just to stand—just to take a few painful steps to be close to me. The rest of his body is strong: his heart, his organs, his will to live. But his hips are failing him.

He’s maxed out on pain management medications, and even they seem to do nothing anymore. I don’t want to imagine how much pain he would be in without them.

Even in this unbearable pain, Trooper still tries to follow me around the house. He doesn’t understand that pushing through the pain to stay by my side is breaking my heart. He sees my tears and doesn’t know why I’m crying—just that I need him, like I always have. And so, he stays.

The estimated cost for surgery and related expenses is $20,000. I was quoted $7,000–$9,000 per hip from the University of Florida—the only facility in the state that can do the procedure. The surgeries must be done separately, as they won’t operate on both hips at once.

I’m a full-time student working two jobs. I’m already in debt and recently sold my car just to cover basic expenses. I have nothing left to sell, no more credit to borrow. And yet I can’t imagine letting Trooper go—not when there’s a real chance to give him back a life worth living.

This isn’t just a dog. He’s my family. He’s the reason I get up in the morning. He’s been with me through everything, and I want to be there for him now, when he needs me most.

If you can help—even a little—it would mean the world to us. Truly. And if you can’t donate, please consider sharing this. Every dollar, every share, every kind word brings us one step closer.

From the bottom of my heart—thank you.

With love,

Sydney & Trooper