Lola's Path to a Pain-Free Life

Hello friends, my name is Jacqlene and I’m raising funds for my sweet pup Lola. During her annual check-up, we got some hard news. Lola was diagnosed with two luxating patellas, a fancy way of saying that both of her kneecaps dislocate. Luxating patellas are graded on a four-point scale, with a grade IV indicating that the kneecap is permanently dislocated. Lola currently has a grade III luxation in one knee and a grade IV in the other. Surgery is necessary to avoid severe lameness or limb deformity. Unfortunately, these surgeries cannot happen until we determine the cause of Lola’s most recent diagnosis: abnormal liver enzymes. Lola’s ALT 420, AST 103, and ALP 314 panels are elevated, and there is bilirubin in her urine. Meeting with a veterinary internal medicine specialist for an ultrasound to rule out liver disease is our first step in this long road to wellness.

If we know each other personally, you’ve probably met Lola. And if you’ve met Lola, you know how deeply special she is. Our paths crossed almost 7 years ago on National Puppy Day. I got the call to visit her in the shelter while recovering from retinal detachment surgery. I was scared, sad, and in pain. When she first rested her head on my chest and looked up at me with those puppy eyes, my problems didn’t seem so big anymore. We’ve been inseparable ever since. She continues to present as the same energetic, friendly, happy lovebug to this day. Lola has so much more life to live and deserves to experience it without chronic pain.

We understand that there are thousands of worthy causes to contribute to, especially as our community rebuilds following the LA wildfires. We also know that getting Lola well exceeds our financial means. Her first visit to the internal medicine specialist will cost over $1,000. Each knee surgery costs about $5,000, and they will need to be done separately. Christian and I will need to take unpaid weeks off from work to support her through months of recovery, be it administering medication through the first two weeks after surgery or bringing her to follow-up exams and physical therapy sessions. We are profoundly grateful for everyone who is able to chip in, share our cause, or simply send some positive energy to our girl.