Phoebe's Surgery Expenses

I’m reaching out for help to give Phoebe, my recently adopted dog, a chance at a better life. 

I started fostering Phoebe as a volunteer a few months ago and noticed immediately how this beautiful, kind, gentle dog was in pain. She’d limp after only a few minutes of walking and sometimes couldn't even get up.

I asked the dog rescue I fostered with if they could pay the vet fees to get her examined. But it was tough; the organization pushed back against paying for vet fees, and as the days went by, Phoebe kept suffering.  So I took her in myself. When I got the results, it wasn’t good. 

Phoebe had chronic arthritis and a torn meniscus in both knees. The doctor said she was suffering and probably had been for years; only surgery for both knees would help. Phoebe is only 4 years old; new knees would be a chance for a long, full life and almost complete recovery. The surgery will give her back mobility. The vet said she’ll be able to run and play again. But the surgeries are expensive.  I wondered if this was why she was given up in the first place? 

Who would adopt a dog needing this level of care? What would happen to her if I didn’t do something? I knew she deserved the chance to live fully.

The choice was stark; give Phoebe up to an uncertain future, or adopt her and give her a better life.

I adopted her immediately.

I’m a grad student putting myself through school and still trying to pay down loans from my undergraduate degree, so the cost of two surgeries was terrifying. But I love this dog, and couldn’t bear to watch her hurting. She had the first surgery two months ago. There was no way I had $6,017 for the operation plus all the extra fees for X-rays and medication, so the vet agreed to a payment plan that comes to $375 a month - more than my student finances can handle.

But it was a huge success; after weeks of careful recovery, her left leg is on the way to being completely healed. I’ve scheduled her next knee for December 14, 2020. 

But Phoebe and I need your help! 

I want to give this dog an incredible life, but the cost is just too much for me on my own. With the chaos of Covid, an uncertain future, and the stress of taking care of Phoebe, I’ve moved out of student housing and back home to Vermont so my family can help with her recovery. 

I know that 2020 has been tough for everyone. People out of work, family members sick, and constant stress. I realize this comes at a hard time, but if you could only meet this dog! She is the most loving, sweet girl you can imagine! Anything will help - every few dollars moves us that much closer to covering the cost of this life-altering surgery.

If you're unable to donate, please share Phoebe's page with as many people as possible. 

Phoebe and I deeply appreciate your support!