I am grateful and humbled by the support and donations of my friends and family. Tika finally sees Dr. Marsolais of the Animal Care Clinic on Monday. He is a respected surgeon on the Monterey Peninsula. I am highly hopeful in him and in trusting that I will be able to schedule Tika's surgery at our appointment on Monday. Myra, Dr. Marsolais' receptionist, indicated that the cost of the surgery will be somewhere between $5-$7,000. Because of this, I cautiously am increasing my fundraiser to $3,500. Thank you.❤️❤️

PDATE: A dear friend, Sherri Smith, who lives in Visalia recommended her veterinarian surgeon (great reviews!), Lone Oak Vet Clinic in Visalia. It's a 3.5 hour drive, one way. Lone Oak did a similar surgery on her dog with great results. And, it's $4,000 LESS than my local surgeon. Sherri has invited me to stay with her and her family while Tika is at Lone Oak's. I'm changing the amount of my fundraiser to reflect this awesome savings. Thank you all for your donations and for caring.

*****

Hello. I'm Theresa, Tika's human mom. Tika needs surgery to repair the tendon in her left leg. She injured it 6 years ago, but it healed. She reinjured it 2 years ago, and it healed again. Dr. Katja Herrmann, of the Monterey Peninsula Veterinarian Emergency and Specialty Center diagnosed a complete tear a week ago and put Tika on anti-inflammatory medication. I'm not sure what happened to finally tear the tendon completely. But she is in pain, with a permanent limp. Only surgery will repair it. Dr. Herrmann said the surgery will cost $7,500. I have $1,500 to go toward the surgery and I need help to cover the remainder. I am retired and on a fixed income now.

I just turned 68. Tika is my first dog. I rescued her from the then Salinas Animal Shelter when she was 4 months old. I've had her about ten and a half years. She is the light of my every day and I love her with all my heart. Before she tore her tendon, we would walk for up to 3 hours a day. She loved playing and running on the beach. Now, I only am able to walk her on flat concrete for about 10 minutes at a time.

Please, if you can afford a small donation, it will help me to be able to schedule her surgery sooner.

In advance, I thank you with all my heart.

Theresa