Well...never thought I'd have to do this again, or this early into having a new puppy.

After spending thousands on my shepherd to save her life after she suddenly lost the ability to use her backs legs, Zero was supposed to be my healing journey.

When I picked up this fluff ball from my friend in September, he was all fluff and sass and so happy.

Around 5 months old in October 2025, he started limping. Being a large breed, growing pains are quite common, so his vet advised me to monitor him and attempt to keep him quiet until the pain passed.

In December we followed up with the vet who said it was hard to tell if it was still growing pains or something more. So he saw a physical therapist who said to do stretches and massages.

In February of 2026, his left hip started dislocating constantly and his limp was getting worse day by day.

This wasn't stopping him from being a puppy and running around like a banshee, which is good and bad.

After another sports medicine consult and two surgical consults, it was determined that he had severe hip dysplasia with osteoarthritis and minor deformities within the joint itself. That's his left side.

Now, at 1 year old, my puppy needs a total hip replacement.

The surgeon said it needs to be done immediately. The deterioration is already so severe she's concerned there won't be a hip left by the time he's 2.

His right side is already deteriorating from the amount he's compensating so the hope is replacing his left will prevent needing to replace his right hip and his knees.

Estimated cost? $11,500 for the surgery alone.

Estimated recovery time? 6 to 8 months IF everything goes smoothly.

He'll need intensive physical therapy, complete crate rest for at least the first 3 months post surgery, and constant medication to keep him calm.

Estimated cost already spent? $3,500

Do I have insurance? Thankfully, yes, BUT there's a catch;

I have to pay the full amount up front BEFORE they'll reimburse me 90% even though it's pre-approved. This is only for the surgery, not for the physical therapy, medications or supplies.

Do I have CareCredit? Yes but I do not have that much of a credit limit plus I've already used it for his consults and neuter (which was already complicated and more expensive than usual)

I can cover about 75% myself but that still leaves several thousands I need to come up with, several thousands I don't have.

Please help me cover the cost of the surgery and the subsequent costs of his therapy and supplies.

Each hydrotherapy session is $44 and he'll need at least one session a week if not two for 6 months to a year.

He deserves to be a puppy without pain and live a fluffy, long life.

He has an amazing temperament; loves everyone he meets and voices his opinions constantly which always gets a laugh.

He was supposed to be a show dog, now, I would love for him to be a therapy dog and spread awareness and fur sparkles.