This is my 7-year-old lover-dog, Ella.

Scratch her ears and she will tell you her whole life story! Like other huskies, she is driven to be with her pack. In Ella's case, her pack includes everyone, both dog and human.

Sadly, Ella tore the cruciate ligament in her right rear leg (like an ACL in humans) and needs surgery. Without the surgery, she will be confined to home and on pain medications for the rest of her life. That would not be a happy life for my "social butterfly."

I am retired, living on a fixed income, and already have substantial debt. I will not be able to afford the estimated $5,000 surgery (plus aftercare visits and medications) that Ella needs to be able to return to the dog park and her active lifestyle.

As some of you know, I went through this with another one of my dogs last year. Through the generosity of people reached on this platform (friends, family, and caring strangers), I was able to get Midnight the surgery she needed to make a full recovery. I am forever grateful for the help we received. Reluctantly, I must again ask for assistance.

Ella is not yet scheduled for surgery, but I anticipate it will be scheduled sometime in the next two weeks. I will need to raise the funds prior to her surgery. I realize that this is a big ask, but I won't be able to afford this surgery without help. So I am turning to you to ask for your assistance:

• Can you please consider donating to help Ella get the surgery she needs? Anything you can give will help and will be greatly appreciated.

• Can you please share this appeal with your networks?

PLEASE NOTE: GoFundMe will set a default "tip" amount to support their platform when you donate. You can adjust that to zero or whatever you feel is appropriate before you submit your donation.

All proceeds of this fundraiser will be used for Ella's medical care.

Thank you!

Mark, Ella, and the rest of the pack