Hi, my name is Javier and I'm raising money for our family dog's surgery. Two years ago our family of five was looking to try to rescue a small dog near the holidays. One misty morning we ended up two hours away at the Mendocino Humane Society and fell in love with a dog named Suko. Even though he was the size of a small horse, he had an extra large heart, and we couldn't resist bringing him home with us. Fortunately for our family, he had been re-homed by his foster parents for eating holiday presents just before Christmas Eve. We came to the shelter on December 27th to find our family's best gift ever.

We brought Suko home and immediately he became a gentle giant that brings us so much joy every day. He joins us on all of our family adventures: from daily walks before sunrise to family camping trips, to driving cross country (and back) in a minivan, and is a welcome therapy dog at every weekend's youth sports events.

So naturally, it has been hard to see him limping and unable to walk. We noticed it one evening in January, after our regular walk he could not put weight down of his foot. We brought him to the vet and after exams and x-rays was diagnosed with a torn CCL (like ACL) that needed surgery. The TPLO surgery we needed is something that was covered under our pet insurance, however, because of an unrelated injury to his hip, the insurance company has denied our claim leaving us to pay the $5,200-6,200 out of pocket for the surgery.

As two public school teachers, with three kids who dedicate our lives to building community and taking care of others. It is so difficult to watch our Suko not be able to walk, and debate if we can afford his surgery. We finally realized that we needed to lean on the community for support in raising money, so we can get him back on his feet quickly. His surgery is scheduled for February 17th and we are hoping to raise any amount to help cover the costs.

Please consider donating a few dollars (less than $25 donations please) to help us raise money for Suko's TPLO (Tibia Leveling Plateau Operation) surgery so he can enjoy going on family adventures, and help him back onto his feet. Hope to see you out on the trail again soon and thank you in person.

Muchisimas gracias,

The Ordonez Family,

Javier and Tara, Santaigo (12), Petra (10), Brisa (6) and Suko (2)