Sushi's Surgery: A Loving Plea for Help

I’ve bottle-fed Sushi since she was 3 weeks old. I never thought there was a void in my life till I had her. She’s my best friend and now is 4 years old.

I was about to get pet insurance 2 weeks ago but couldn’t afford it. She began limping, but I thought she just sprained her leg. Then I noticed she was having trouble whenever she was playing or standing up. I took her to her vet, and he told me she has a torn meniscus and referred me to 3 hospitals, all out of state. I decided to take her to Long Island, where a friend works for a vet. She said the price would be cheaper than the estimate given from the other hospitals.

I applied for credit and saved as much money as I could and made the appointment, hoping they’d operate that day. I had to pay an Uber $150 each way to Long Island. I explained Sushi’s diagnosis and was given a consultation stating she needed X-rays, a bone scan, and bloodwork, and be put under for the X-rays. Before they did this, they presented me with a bill for $2477.55. I asked if this was part of the surgery bill and was told no. I paid with the credit I acquired and cash I had saved.

When they were done, they told me she had to have both legs operated on for her ACLs. They presented me with another bill with a low and high range of $8000 to $10391.55. I told them I couldn’t afford it and would have to see what I could do. I stepped outside and just cried because I was so overwhelmed and knew there was nothing I could do to help her. My pride always gets in the way and this is my last resort. I have a hard time asking for help, but this is for the sweetest, funniest, loving dog, and I’m beside myself because I love her so much and it’s beyond my own control to help her. Please help me help her.