It's hard to ask for help, but sometimes we need to.

I am raising funds for Koda's total hip replacement surgery which is scheduled for Thursday August 24th at the Ohio State University veterinary hospital.

Update as of August 24th:

Prayers needed and greatly appreciated.

My parents originally agreed to take the funds from their savings to cover the cost of the surgery with the agreement that I could pay them back whenever I could. Unfortunately, my dad was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer yesterday - August 23, 2021 - at only 53 years old. Needless to say, my family is devastated and his treatment is going be a huge financial burden on my parents. While they are generously still agreeing to pay for the surgery, I cannot bear to make them front that cost given the long emotionally and financially draining road ahead for our family.

When my dad found out my mom was pregnant with me, he gave up his dream, left architecture school, and began working as a driver for Waste Management in order to provide our family with stability. He has worked for Waste Management now for over 25 years old and regularly works between 60 and 70 hours a week. This unwavering work ethic allowed me to become the first in my extended family to attend graduate school and get a Master's degree. I just want to be able to be there for him just like he has been there for me my whole life, and not add to financial burden and stress that is to come. My family and I will be so grateful for any donations you can provide. If you cannot donate, prayers are equally as needed and appreciated ❤️ Thank you so much for reading.

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About Koda: Koda was adopted from a rescue in a small town just outside of Niagra Falls in Canada. He was the last of his litter at 10 weeks old when I took him home with me to Indiana. Now at 1 and a half, Koda is the happiest, goofiest, most stubborn, over-dramatic, and hilarious boy. His personality is truly larger than life. He is still ALL puppy - just now in a 100 lb body. Despite his chronic pain, Koda is such a happy-go-lucky dog. The orthopedic vet that diagnosed him with hip dysplasia said "He is excruciating pain, but you would never know it. Most other dogs in this much pain would be aggressive. It is kind of incredible." He is the epitome of the prom king, people's price, Mr. Popular, whatever you want to call him. To know Koda is to love him.

The Diagnosis: I took Koda in for his last round of puppy shots in the summer of 2020. At that time, my vet noticed that Koda had an abnormal gait and requested to take x-rays. I agreed and they came back with a likely diagnosis of hip dysplasia. Due to his age though, they could not provide a certain diagnosis so they referred us to an orthopedic specialist. We met with the specialist in the fall of 2020 and received a confirmed diagnosis of hip dysplasia at 10 months old. The specialist was so concerned with the severity of the case, the amount of pain he was no doubt in, and the high risk of arthritis and muscular atrophy, that he recommended we get scheduled for a Total Hip Replacement (THR) procedure as soon as possible - even if that meant before he was a year old. Having only graduated from university in 2019, I knew I would not have the funds for such an expensive surgery, but I knew I would make it work no matter what that meant. I called Ohio State to schedule the THR and they put us on a waiting list. Covid resulted in surgeries being cancelled and indefinitely postponed, so we were not able to schedule the appointment until almost 1 year out (August 26th, 2021).

The Recovery:

*Info copied directly from email from the vet's office*

First month:

Resting in a small room with non-slick floors or a crate when you are not watching your pet. When you are home your pet may be with you resting in the house, but not running around. If you have wood, ceramic, or tile floors, then throw rugs need to be put down. For two months we want your pet on non-slick surfaces. We would like them not to do flights of stairs, however a few are fine. If your pet has to go up a flight of stairs, then they will use a sling that we provide. They may go outside 4 to 5 times a day for elimination purposes.

Second month:

Please continue with the restrictions from the first month. At this time, please start walking your pet as follows:

Week 3: 5 minutes once a day

Week 4: 5 minutes 2 times a day

Week 5: 5 minutes 3 times a day

Week 6: 10 minutes 3 times a day

Week 7: 15 minutes 3 times a day

Week 8: 20 minutes 3 times a day

At 8 weeks and 1 year your pet will need to have a recheck with radiographs with Dr. Dyce or your Veterinarian.

Third Month:

If the radiographs look good, your pet may progressively start getting back to normal activity. They may be free in the house, have unlimited leash walks, jump into a car or on furniture, and exercise for short periods of time off leash in the yard while being supervised. No running, jumping high in the air for a Frisbee, or rough playing.

Fourth Month:

If everything is good, your pet may now return to normal activity without restrictions.

The Cost:

• Procedure: $6400
• 8 week check-up w/ x-rays: $300
• 1 year check-up w/ x-rays: $300
• Gas to Ohio State: $100
• Comfy cone: $45
• XL crate: $100
• Recovery sling for carrying xl dogs: $40
• Orthopedic dog bed: $125
• Total = $7410

*All funds will go toward surgery-related expenses*