Croatian version below / Hrvatska verzija ispod engleske⬇️

My name is Marko-Antonio, and I’m writing this for my dad, because his best friend in the world, Appa, needs our help.

Appa is a three-year-old Central Asian Shepherd who is, in short, a ridiculous and wonderful character. He’s a giant goofball who grumbles and throws little tantrums before he falls asleep, is inexplicably terrified of rubber duckies, and thinks he’s a housecat, often trying to curl up on your lap, completely unaware that he weighs 70kg.

He lives with my dad in Rijeka, Croatia, and their bond is the most beautiful thing to witness. Appa isn't just a pet; he's my dad's constant companion and his best friend. For Appa, a perfect day is a morning walk with my dad, a trip to the dog park in Krnjevo, and a clumsy attempt to swim at Kantrida. The joy he brings to my dad's life is immeasurable.

But that joy is gone right now.

During a recent vet visit for a painful limp, we were given devastating news. The ligaments in not just one, but both of Appa’s knees have torn. He can't walk without pain, and his happy world has been replaced by confusion and struggle. For my dad, watching his best friend suffer this way has been a constant heartbreak.

I live away from home in Stuttgart and am currently traveling for the next 3 weeks, and it’s agonizing to know they’re both going through this.

The vet was clear: Appa needs two major surgeries to live a life free of pain. This is why I am raising these funds, to give this incredible dog his life back and to lift the immense weight of this situation from my dad.

For full transparency, here is exactly how the funds will be used and managed:

Every single euro raised will go directly towards Appa's extensive medical care. The total estimated cost of around 4.500€ covers:

The two separate, complex knee surgeries.

All post-operative examinations and medications.

The necessary physical therapy and rehabilitation to help him learn to walk again.

Any associated veterinary fees for his care during this process.

To make it simple and stress-free for my dad, all funds raised will be withdrawn to my personal bank account. I will then be directly responsible for paying the veterinary clinic in Rijeka for every bill related to Appa's treatment. I'm committed to posting regular updates and sharing vet bills and invoices to show exactly how your generous contributions are being used to heal our boy.

Thank you for taking the time to read their story. Every donation, be it 1 €, 5€ or 50€, and every share is a beacon of hope for my furry little brother.

With love and gratitude,

Marko-Antonio Kobasevic

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Moje ime je Marko-Antonio i ovo pišem u ime svog tate, jer njegov najbolji prijatelj na svijetu, Appa, treba našu pomoć.

Appa je trogodišnji srednjoazijski ovčar i, ukratko, nevjerojatno zabavan i poseban lik. Ogroman je veseljak koji gunđa i duri se prije nego što zaspi, neobjašnjivo se boji gumenih patkica i uvjeren je da je kućna mačka – često pokušava sjesti u krilo, iako uopće ne shvaća da ima 70 kilograma.

Živi s mojim tatom u Rijeci, a njihova povezanost je nešto najljepše što se može vidjeti. Appa nije samo pas; on je tatin stalni suputnik i najbolji prijatelj. Njegov savršen dan izgleda ovako: jutarnja šetnja s tatom, odlazak u pseći park na Krnjevu i nespretan pokušaj plivanja na Kantridi. Radost koju donosi u tatin život nemoguće je opisati.

No ta radost je trenutno nestala.

Na nedavnom pregledu kod veterinara, zbog bolnog šepanja, dobili smo poražavajuću vijest. Ligamenti ne jednog, već oba Appina koljena su pukli. Više ne može hodati bez boli, a njegov sretni svijet zamijenili su zbunjenost i patnja. Za mog tatu, gledati svog najboljeg prijatelja kako se ovako muči, prava je svakodnevna bol.

Ja živim u Stuttgartu i trenutno sam tri tjedna na putovanju, a užasno mi je teško znati da kroz sve ovo prolaze sami.

Veterinar je bio jasan: Appa mora na dvije velike operacije kako bi mogao ponovno živjeti bez boli. Zato prikupljam sredstva – da ovom nevjerojatnom psu vratimo život i skinemo ogroman teret s tatinih leđa.

Za potpunu transparentnost, evo kako će se sredstva koristiti i upravljati:

Svaki prikupljeni euro ide isključivo za Appinu medicinsku skrb. Procijenjeni ukupni trošak od oko 4.500 € uključuje:

dvije odvojene, složene operacije koljena,

sve postoperativne preglede i potrebne lijekove,

fizikalnu terapiju i rehabilitaciju kako bi ponovno mogao hodati,

sve dodatne veterinarske troškove povezane s njegovom njegom.

Kako bi sve bilo jednostavnije i bez stresa za mog tatu, sva sredstva bit će prebačena na moj osobni račun, a ja ću izravno plaćati veterinarsku kliniku u Rijeci za sve troškove liječenja.

Obvezujem se redovito objavljivati ažuriranja te dijeliti račune i potvrde kako biste točno znali kako se vaši velikodušni doprinosi koriste da ozdravimo našeg Appu.

Hvala vam što ste odvojili vrijeme da pročitate njihovu priču. Svaka donacija – bila 5 € ili 50 – i svako dijeljenje ove priče znači svjetionik nade za mog dlakavog brata.

Hvala,

Marko-Antonio Kobasević