Eight years ago, I was standing in a parking lot at St. Edward’s University when Katrina picked up a little dog who would go on to become everyone’s favorite. His name is Mako.

From that moment on, Mako became a constant presence in all of our lives. On campus, he was the unofficial therapy dog, the one students gravitated toward between classes to decompress, take a breath, and feel grounded. After graduation, Mako followed Katrina to medical school, where he continued that role, becoming her steady companion through some of the most demanding and emotionally intense years of her life.

For the last eight years, Mako has been Katrina and Luke’s best friend — loyal, loving, and always there.

Recently, Mako tore his ACL and meniscus and now needs a major orthopedic surgery called a TPLO, along with meniscus repair. Before surgery, he also needs a repeat heart ultrasound, which has not yet been scheduled but is expected to cost close to $1,000. The surgery itself is estimated at $6,000, not including recovery and follow-up care.

Katrina is currently finishing her second year of residency, and while she gives so much of herself to caring for others, finding the funds for this surgery on short notice is extraordinarily difficult.

Anything helps! Whether you’re able to donate, share this page, or simply keep Mako in your thoughts, every bit of support means the world. Our hope is to give Mako the care he needs so he can get back to doing what he does best: loving his people and being there for them.

Thank you for helping care for a dog who has cared for so many.