As simple as I can put it, my retired service dog needs knee surgery.

My baby, Macho, became my service dog when I was just 10 years old. He did many tasks like guiding me through busy areas; would brace me to get down to the ground and stand back up. That does not even scratch the surface of everything he would do for me on a daily basis. Even now he continues doing many tasks for me daily after so many years. He is an active, athletic boy who is very food motivated.

So, what happened? Around 2 weeks ago, after walking the dogs, I noticed Macho was limping. I thought maybe I just needed to give it some time. I live in a two story house right now, which does not help the situation at all. For him to go potty he has to go down two sets of stairs, and a final mini set outside. I have seen him slip going both up and down the stairs which is heartbreaking and dangerous. His leg was not getting better so I decided to make an appointment with his vet. Today I brought him to his vet appointment. After x-rays my vet determined the best course of action for his long-term well being is knee surgery. He was diagnosed with cranial cruciate ligament rupture. This was described to me as an ACL tear for the human knee. He discussed how without the surgery Macho's knee will continue to get worse especially with him being a bigger dog. How he is likely to rupture the other knee, while trying to not place force on his injured side. He has been prescribed medications, but they have been tearing his stomach apart. He can barely move around, it rips at him to try and go down the stairs to go potty, and it aches him to eat (I have already hand fed him). He just whines and cries for hours, which just makes me want to keep sobbing; but that'll only make him worse.

Who am I? My name is Fransheska. A 19 year old who's mainly suffers from seizures and Elhers Danlos syndrome.

As of now, I am trying to see what other housing options I can find while I wait for the surgery. On a smaller note I am trying to train him to use puppy pads to go potty (this has been unsuccessful so far). I feel really guilty for his injury. Like I failed him. I am his mother how could I not have been more careful, more observant. If I went back in time I dont even know what I could have done better. I hate to know how much he is suffering.

I have never made a gofundme before, but I hope that I am a story worth fighting for! (I did not use AI to make this) ☆