My name is Jessica and I'm a 33 year old Field Service Engineer for a leading robotics company. I love my job, the travel, and opening up companies to the world of robotics. I have 4 animals; 2 dogs and 2 cats, with my oldest being 11. I love them more than life itself and would do anything for them.

But this post isn't about me. I took my oldest dog, Tess, to the vet today for noticeable pain and heavy limping. The vet told me she'd torn her CCL in her left knee. Tess has been having trouble for about the past 6 months with walking, going up stairs, sitting and standing for more than 30 seconds.

Over and over she's been brought to the clinic to try and manage the pain and issues. But today was different. Today we confirmed she'd torn her leg from age and over-compensation from a previous injury. I've been quoted $6-7k for the surgery alone on top of the medication, laser therapy treatments, CBD, etc.

My expenses are already stretched thin with paying the dog sitters to watch my girls when I travel frequently for work and I don't have the out of pocket. I hate asking for money. I hate begging for help. But this dog saved me from suicide SO many times when I was younger, and I'm not ready to lose her. I owe it to her.

If you knew Tess then you'd see she's the sweetest most stubborn dog in the world. She always rolls over for belly rubs and like to be a weird wiggle worm in the mornings when I try to get her up. If there's a bag wrinkling or food cooking she's there, especially for slices of ham (only way she'll take her meds). If you even look her way she's wagging her tail and always willing to come over for pets. Most times you can catch her sticking her tongue out because she doesn't notice, especially after a nap.

Yet she's suffering a painful tear that's affecting her quality of life, one that has many more years of relaxing on the back porch taking in the mountain airs of Tennessee. Of getting pieces of steak every now and then. Of playing with her sister and dealing with the clingy cats who love to rub their butts all of her face despite how it annoys her.

Please. Even if you can't donate...please share this as far and wide as you can. I'm not ready to lose the dog who gave me so much purpose in life and got me to where I am today.

Thank you.