Save Royce's Leg

Howdy, my boyfriend Hunter and I are raising funds to help our 5-year-old American Akita, Royce, get the critical surgery he needs.

I adopted Royce in October 2021 from an Akita rescue in North Texas after he was found as a stray in Tennessee. Since then, he’s been my loyal companion through life’s ups and downs. In 2023, he underwent CBLO surgery for a torn Canine Cruciate Ligament (CCL), facing an intense 8-10 week recovery. As things were looking up, he began limping again in the spring of 2024. A vet visit revealed a partially torn meniscus, requiring another procedure and strict rehabilitation. I started him on Adequan shots to help with arthritis and prevent future issues, but in recent weeks, his condition has worsened—he’s now completely avoiding the use of his back leg.

After another vet visit, we received devastating news: Royce’s kneecap is displaced, and he has severe bone density loss. If a surgeon can’t operate due to the lack of bone support, he may need an amputation. So far, we are working with Texas A&M's Small Animal Hospital so that he can get the best possible care he needs. After two visits, Royce's vets saw a good amount of soft tissue and fluid near his knee joint. They were able to drain the fluid and do a biopsy on his tissue and bone as well to narrow down what was going on. Unfortunately, his veterinarians think that it is likely from a drug called Librela, which is supposed to help dogs with their osteoarthritis. Once we have definitive answers, Royce will either undergo a total knee replacement or a joint fusion, with both procedures ranging from $8,000 to $15,000. If his condition is too severe, amputation may be necessary, which would cost $5,000 for the surgery alone, plus a potential additional $4,500 if his remaining good leg suffers a CCL tear and requires repair.

As a recent Texas A&M graduate with a Bachelor’s in Environmental Design and an incoming Master of Architecture student this fall, covering Royce’s medical expenses is an overwhelming challenge. He has been my rock—through school, traumatic life events, loss, and life’s most challenging moments. Now, I want to be there for him the way he’s always been there for me.

Any donation, big or small, will help Royce get the treatment he desperately needs. Your support, prayers, and shares mean the world to us. Please help us give Royce the chance to live a happy, pain-free life again.

Thank you!