This ask is very vulnerable for me to make.

I’ve never done anything like this before, and to be honest, it feels uncomfortable and overwhelming to ask for help in such a public way. But Cosmo needs me to exhaust every possible option, so that's what I’m trying to do.

Recently, Cosmo tore his left ACL, and the surgery he needs is estimated to cost between $6,000 and $8,000 — far more than I’m able to afford right now.

I’ve been out of a consistent job since January 2025 and have been scraping by month to month with a few random jobs here and there, along with help from Johnny and family. I’m deeply grateful for that support, but this surgery is simply beyond what we can manage.

The vet told us that if Cosmo does not have surgery, scar tissue will eventually help stabilize his knee, but he will likely have a limp and may need to be on pain medication for the rest of his life. If I had the funds or room on a credit card, I would not hesitate to get him the surgery he needs. The fact that I can’t do that for him right now feels awful.

Cosmo means so much to our family, and his story is especially close to my heart.

I didn’t grow up with dogs. In fact, I had a traumatic experience with a vicious dog when I was in 4th grade, and then another scary experience as an adult on an early morning walk. Because of that, I was always very leery of dogs. It wasn’t that I didn’t like them — I just never felt truly comfortable around them, and I never imagined having one of my own. Lily had always wanted a dog. And while I would do just about anything for my bug, this was the one thing I couldn’t seem to say yes to.

Then in 2022, when I officially started working from home more often, something shifted in my heart. I had this unexpected thought: Why not get a dog? Even I was surprised by it, but I chose to follow that tug.

On September 24, 2022, we brought Cosmo home from the Agoura Animal Shelter. He had just had hip replacement surgery, and he completely won our hearts from the very beginning.

Since then, Cosmo has been one of the best additions to our family. Not only has he brought us joy, comfort, and companionship, but he has also completely changed my heart toward dogs. These days, almost every dog I see makes me want to go over and love on them — except maybe the really big ones, haha.

Cosmo loves being part of our everyday life. He loves going on hikes with us, running around at the dog park, and taking walks through our neighborhood. He’s just happy to be included in every little moment. The thought of him doing those things now with a limp, or in pain, is honestly beyond heartbreaking. It hurts to imagine him no longer able to move through life with the same joy and freedom he’s always had.

Cosmo is so deeply loved, and we want to do right by him.

Anything you are able to give would mean more than we can say. And if you’re not able to donate, sharing this would also help us so much.

I also want to be fully transparent: if we do not raise enough money to move forward with Cosmo’s surgery, I will return all donated funds to each donor. I will keep all the money in the GoFundMe account, and if we do not reach the goal needed for surgery, I will ensure that those funds are returned.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping us try to give Cosmo the chance he deserves.