Aspen has a ruptured CCL ligament (ACL in humans) and requires a very costly surgery to get him back to his goofy, playful self and repair his leg.

He is going into TPLO surgery tomorrow where the surgeons will change the angle of where his femur and tibia meet in his knee (cut off part of the bone) and place a metal plate with hinge screws to essentially create a new knee joint. This sort of surgery has a very high success rate, but comes with a steep price tag of $6,000-$7,500. We get the bill tomorrow depending on how his procedure went. Aspen’s recovery time is 8-12 weeks, and full recovery is possible in six months. It will require us to constantly monitor his activity and pray he doesn’t jump up to bark at the mailman or the random squirrel out the window.

Besides the cost of his surgery, I feel like Aspen is set up for a successful recovery. He has been taking anti-inflammatory, pain, and sedative medications. We’ve restricted all activities including stairs (didn’t think I’d ever need a baby gate again), we have a sling to help support his back legs post surgery, and Mike built him a ramp to safely use the bathroom outside. I even made him a new bed from some leftover thick foam from a reupholstering project. People are taking turns sleeping downstairs with him so he isn’t lonely at night. It’s a full time job keeping him safe and comfortable.

He initially hurt himself about a month ago while playing fetch, nothing out of the ordinary, but hasn’t been putting weight on his hind leg, he limps and cries when he gets up. Without this surgery, his quality of life will greatly be diminished, especially for a cattle dog who lives to run, play, and needs a ‘job’ to feel useful.

Aspen’s role on the farm is essential. He is our livestock guardian, protects the animals (and his little brother Hickory) from eagles, fox, coyote, and fishers. Scared off prowlers and people following me on walks. He is good at his job protecting the farm and family, but his keen intuition also knows when we need a reminder that all will be alright if we only stop and let someone love us for a minute or two.

It’s difficult asking for help, especially when so many people are barely making ends meet. But Aspen’s unexpected surgery bill is more than I am able to afford, and putting it off or not having the procedure done would slowly and painfully kill Aspen’s spirit and break my heart to watch our loyal companion suffer. This animal has saved my life in more ways than he will ever know.

Passing the hat and asking friends to pitch in for a loyal friend who can only repay you with a wet nose and goofy grin. Possibly a stinky fart or two.

Thank you.