December 2019 Update:

My amazing mom was visiting California for the holidays this past week and as we hiked along a beach on the Friday before Christmas, a constant worry became reality when Willow once again tore her CCL in front of our eyes, this time in her right knee.  I had known this was a possibility, the veterinarians had explained before that about half the dogs who tear one will eventually tear the other.  Luckily, we were able to get her surgery scheduled quickly with the same clinic, they were able to fix her up Saturday 12/28 and she came home to recover on Sunday 12/29.   



In some form of irony, I had been thinking how to show my continued appreciation of everyone who helped out at the beginning of the year, and was going to share Willow’s recovery by posting a video of her running along the beach.  But unfortunately I’m here today instead humbly mentioning that I’ve extended the GoFundMe campaign to reflect the cost of the combined surgeries.  The good news is that the second TPLO surgery came with a discount, and that there’s no more knees for Willow to tear!  It’s not in my nature to ask for help, so this isn’t easy and will be the only mention.  But I want you to know that every little but truly does have an impact.

Thanks & Love, 
Luke

January 2019:

After a hike in the Eastern Sierras a few weeks back, my dog Willow wasn’t able to put any weight on her left hind leg.  I first assumed sore muscles were the issue, for a time it seemed to get better, but as the weeks passed it became obvious something was seriously wrong.  After an exam, the vet has let me know that Willow has torn her CCL, a knee ligament equivalent to the human ACL.

Luckily, there is a fix.  But the surgery, Tibial-Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO), is quite expensive and the $4500 to $5500 cost is not something for which I had planned.  Frankly, it is not even an option for us without some outside support.  The recovery is at least 8 weeks, but afterward most dogs will rebound to near their previous activity level.  

From what I understand, not undergoing the surgery means to let the knee scar over and become arthritic, which will result in a permanently lame leg and reduce her mobility to a few hundred yards before the pain becomes too much.  Willow is 8, otherwise very healthy, and presumably has some great years ahead of her.  I've hoofed more trail miles and spent more nights under the stars with her than with any one person.  Really, there is nothing in life she enjoyed more.  It is painful to think that those adventures could be behind us now. 

A huge "Thank You" to everyone who has shown love and support thus far.  I'm a lucky guy to have so many incredible, caring folks in my life.  Please know that anything, however small, it will help.

Thanks & Be Well,
Luke