Hello my name is Casey and I'm asking for your help.

On Tuesday, February 24th, when leaving work, my brother spotted a severely malnourished tiny dog limping through a parking lot. He immediately scooped him up and tried to get him to a vet but between nearby vet/rescue refusals and his school schedule he had no choice but to take the pup with him. My brother called me to meet him and help, we got him to an emergency vet as soon as we could and were there until late that night. He did not have a microchip. We decided to name him Giuseppe.

The initial exam and X-rays were devastating. Giuseppe is suspected to be a lab mix between the ages of 1-3 years old and only weighs a tiny 7.5 lbs. He is severely malnourished with all of his ribs and both hips clearly visible, his poor little face is completely sunken in. He has a broken pelvis and a hip completely out of its socket. The vet believes he was likely hit by a car and left to wander on his own.

After an initial $915.74 for emergency stabilization and pain meds, we were referred to the specialists at Tarheel Veterinary Surgical Associates (TVSA). The day after we found him, we had our consultation. After further sedation and a second round of imaging, the surgeons confirmed that Giuseppe requires an FHO (Femoral Head Ostectomy) procedure.

An FHO will remove the damaged "ball" of the femur, allowing his body to create a "false joint" out of muscle and scar tissue. This procedure is his only path to a pain-free, mobile life. Without it, he will remain in constant agony. This visit with TVSA cost another $575.10.

The estimate for this surgery and the necessary follow-up care is between $3000-$3500. As many of you could probably guess, my fiancé and I weren't prepared for a multi-thousand dollar emergency, but we have already fallen in love with this super sweet, brave little man.

We have vowed to make Giuseppe a permanent part of our loving family. We have started to fatten him up and getting him used to kisses and cuddles. He has no idea how much better his life just got!

We are asking for your help to get him the surgery he needs to finally start his life without pain. Any amount, even just a single dollar, gets him a step closer to a healthy future and long happy life.

Thank you so much for your kindness and for being part of Giuseppe's journey.