Save Gunnar the Newfies legs

Hello, My name is Aaron Murphy, I am a teacher in Syracuse, NY! Gunnar is my Newfie! Newfoundlands are a wonderful breed; they give all their love and loyalty to you and expect nothing in return. Gunnar and I stumbled upon each other in the form of a rehome situation. He is the best dog I have ever had and has made a great start to my little family. Gunnar and I used to be able to hike, swim, camp, and enjoy each others active lifestyles outside. Being a responsible dog dad I got him pet insurance, which I still recommend for giant dogs. He started to develop a limp on our walks, and it seemed to be happening in both hind legs. Soon after his hips started to atrophy and it was time, I had to bring him to the vet. I was convinced that it was hip dysplasia, I looked into the pet insurance and came to the conclusion that we were outside of the waiting period for hip dysplasia and I was going to take him to the vet. I get him into the vet and the vet runs some tests and concludes that he has a Bilateral torn cranial cruciate ligament, pretty much the dog version of a torn ACL injury. At this point he will need invasive surgeries, and intensive recovery care; the vet lays out our options and costs, I wasn't panicking though because I had pet insurance. I went home and looked more into the pet insurance and turns out I was not outside the waiting period for this specific injury and upon further investigation the surgeries and therapy will not be covered. It was in that realization that I knew I had to find another way. I am a teacher, I have a lot of student debt, I had goals of owning a home, buying my wonderful girlfriend an engagement ring, however now all the priorities have changed. If the situation was reversed and I had the torn ligaments, Gunnar would move heaven and earth to make sure I was taken care of. I am typically a proud person “who will figure it all out on my own” but I can’t this time. This is too important and I need help, I am not asking any one person for the amount, but I am hoping that the community can come together and help cover some of the expenses for Gunnar's surgery and post surgery recovery treatments. If we can raise the amount required Gunnar just might be able to be the ring "bear" at my future wedding.  Thank you so much for your time and I look forward to your support!