8-month-old Ranger's Road to Recovery with Maddie Kirker

Maddie Kirker is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Hi, friends. Maddie here. Losing Chester was tough, but adopting Ranger was a silver lining. Unfortunately, I have some bad news and could use your help for the first time ever.

Ranger is an 8-month-old Bernese Mountain Dog puppy who began limping on his right front leg at around 7-months-old. Initially, I thought it was just a sprain due to growing pains, but after three weeks, the limping persisted and got worse. His primary vet referred him to a specialist in Wilmington, NC for further evaluation.

As hard as I prayed against anything serious, Ranger was diagnosed with Osteochondritis of his right shoulder at Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral in Wilmington, NC. He will have to undergo Anesthesia, a CT scan, and then emergency surgery. And unfortunately, insurance will not cover this surgery.

Here’s an example of an Osteochondritis Lesion on a shoulder of a dog.

Below is Ranger’s right and left shoulder. His right shoulder is on the right, although he said the left shoulder doesn’t look good either.

Dr. Ned Williams of Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral bluntly stated that if Ranger doesn't get this surgery, he will never walk normally, run, or be able to hike again.

(you can see his right leg hurts him so bad, he’s refusing to put weight on it anymore.)

I'm kindly asking for any assistance you can offer, whether it be through a donation or by sharing this message with others who may be able to help. Your support during this difficult time would mean the world to me and Ranger.

Surgery is set to cost anywhere between 4 and 5 thousand dollars. He will have to stay 2 nights post operation in ICU.

Positively speaking, this shoulder surgery in Bernese Mountain Dogs has a 90% success rate. And I think Ranger has an even better chance at success knowing that Dr. Ned Williams is nationally known for his orthopedic veterinary medicine. He specializes in shoulders and elbows. He could truly save Ranger.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my request. Your generosity and kindness will make a significant difference in Ranger’s life. I just want us to be able to hike again.