My family found Kaia in 2019 in Bozeman at the Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter. We immediately connected with her spunky personality and sweet demeanor. She has grown to be expressive and adventurous, and has become an icon in our parents neighborhood in Missoula County. Kai is adored by everyone in our family, and charms anyone she meets. She has her quirks that keep life interesting - she loves carrots but hates thunder, she talks when she’s excited, and boops you with her nose to check in. She’s a comforting presence and a great hiking partner. She absolutely loves snow and napping in odd positions. Despite an active and healthy lifestyle, Kaia is more susceptible to ligament damage due to a few breeds in her mix. At a recent checkup at Missoula Veterinary Clinic, we learned that she has inflammation and arthritis in both back legs. In addition, she tore her right cranial cruciate ligament, and her left is also damaged, requiring surgery at Sentinel Health. It’s hard for us to see Kai in pain. A double TPLO surgery is a massive unexpected expense, especially at a time when other big critical expenses are occurring. Getting outside with our dog and giving her a good life is incredibly important to us, and we could use some help.