Donation protected
TL;DR: My pup needs $3,000 knee surgery and any contributions would be greatly appreciated!
On 12/30/2020 I adopted this beautiful pit mix from a shelter in Kent County, Maryland. I fell in love before I had even made it home. Our first night I noticed she was very hesitant about going up/down the stairs and very timid about jumping up onto my bed. I watched her pace back and forth, excited at first and clearly wanting to please me, but I also sensed frustration and fear as she struggled to scramble up onto the bed. In the morning, she showed the same fear and hesitation jumping down and I ultimately had to pick my 55lb baby up to help her down. I made an appointment with the vet.
New Year's day I noticed that Fancy was limping and babying her back left leg. I went back and forth about whether I should take her to the ER or wait for the vet appointment. Did I mention I was in love? By this point she had stolen all of our hearts and earned a dozen nick names (Fancy, Fancy Pants, Fancy Lady, Fanny, Beef Cake, Babygirl, and Miss Piggy). I decided to wait for the vet appointment because I had a feeling that it was going to be something big and I wanted to put those extra funds towards treatment because I already cannot fathom life without her.
We had our vet appointment today (1/4/21); I'd sent them videos of her walking and between that and her exam they determined that Fancy has a medially luxating patella -- her knee cap pops out of place -- and it's a 3-4/4 as far as severity (it's out of place more than not). Without surgery she is at risk for arthritis, she could damage her other knee, if she lands on it wrong while it's in the wrong position she could tear a ligiment... basically, surgery is the only way forward. It is also $3,000.
Fancy Pants is scheduled for surgery Feb. 22nd and will cost between $2,750-3,000 which covers all the pre- and post-op appointments/medications. She will also need a $190 nerve blocker -- the only cost outside the surgery fee. I am still getting quotes from other surgeons and I am hoping that I can get her in sooner, but so far it looks like $2,500 would be the minimum. Her recovery will take 16 weeks.
When we got home from the vet, I slumped down onto the floor of the hallway, hugged my dog, and cried. Fancy, SO EXCITED to be home was feeling playful: she licked Tara's ENTIRE face (seriously, every inch), she took the empty bag her meds came in and enthusiastically tore it up, and she snuggled up on me. She made me laugh. She is the most loving dog I have ever met. She will cuddle up with anyone, especially me. Fancy is quiet, playful, and kind. She'll let you know that she's not done being pet by licking you incessently and nudging your hand until she gets the attention she deserves. She is still very anxious in the car, but she is settling into our home seemlessly and her playfulness has begun to show (we love our rope toy and our rubber ball). She snores, snorts, farts, and I swear I've heard her burp... she's just perfect.
It breaks my heart to know that she is in pain and that she's likely been in pain for quite a while. I hate knowing that it'll be six months before she's able to run around, play with friends, or go for walks. But, I am going to be there for her just like I know she'll be there for me for years to come. I will be helping her up the stairs using a towel to help take the wait off her back legs and -- whenever she lets me -- I'll be picking her up to help her on and off of the furniture.
This surgery is going to hit my bank account hard. If you made it this far and fallen in love with her too, I would be unbelievablly greatful for any amount that you would be willing to contribute and I promise to always pay it forward when I am able to.
On 12/30/2020 I adopted this beautiful pit mix from a shelter in Kent County, Maryland. I fell in love before I had even made it home. Our first night I noticed she was very hesitant about going up/down the stairs and very timid about jumping up onto my bed. I watched her pace back and forth, excited at first and clearly wanting to please me, but I also sensed frustration and fear as she struggled to scramble up onto the bed. In the morning, she showed the same fear and hesitation jumping down and I ultimately had to pick my 55lb baby up to help her down. I made an appointment with the vet.
New Year's day I noticed that Fancy was limping and babying her back left leg. I went back and forth about whether I should take her to the ER or wait for the vet appointment. Did I mention I was in love? By this point she had stolen all of our hearts and earned a dozen nick names (Fancy, Fancy Pants, Fancy Lady, Fanny, Beef Cake, Babygirl, and Miss Piggy). I decided to wait for the vet appointment because I had a feeling that it was going to be something big and I wanted to put those extra funds towards treatment because I already cannot fathom life without her.
We had our vet appointment today (1/4/21); I'd sent them videos of her walking and between that and her exam they determined that Fancy has a medially luxating patella -- her knee cap pops out of place -- and it's a 3-4/4 as far as severity (it's out of place more than not). Without surgery she is at risk for arthritis, she could damage her other knee, if she lands on it wrong while it's in the wrong position she could tear a ligiment... basically, surgery is the only way forward. It is also $3,000.
Fancy Pants is scheduled for surgery Feb. 22nd and will cost between $2,750-3,000 which covers all the pre- and post-op appointments/medications. She will also need a $190 nerve blocker -- the only cost outside the surgery fee. I am still getting quotes from other surgeons and I am hoping that I can get her in sooner, but so far it looks like $2,500 would be the minimum. Her recovery will take 16 weeks.
When we got home from the vet, I slumped down onto the floor of the hallway, hugged my dog, and cried. Fancy, SO EXCITED to be home was feeling playful: she licked Tara's ENTIRE face (seriously, every inch), she took the empty bag her meds came in and enthusiastically tore it up, and she snuggled up on me. She made me laugh. She is the most loving dog I have ever met. She will cuddle up with anyone, especially me. Fancy is quiet, playful, and kind. She'll let you know that she's not done being pet by licking you incessently and nudging your hand until she gets the attention she deserves. She is still very anxious in the car, but she is settling into our home seemlessly and her playfulness has begun to show (we love our rope toy and our rubber ball). She snores, snorts, farts, and I swear I've heard her burp... she's just perfect.
It breaks my heart to know that she is in pain and that she's likely been in pain for quite a while. I hate knowing that it'll be six months before she's able to run around, play with friends, or go for walks. But, I am going to be there for her just like I know she'll be there for me for years to come. I will be helping her up the stairs using a towel to help take the wait off her back legs and -- whenever she lets me -- I'll be picking her up to help her on and off of the furniture.
This surgery is going to hit my bank account hard. If you made it this far and fallen in love with her too, I would be unbelievablly greatful for any amount that you would be willing to contribute and I promise to always pay it forward when I am able to.
Co-organizers (2)
Marie M
Organizer
College Park, MD
Tara Feikes
Co-organizer