Urgent Surgery for Support Dog & US Veterans Health Recovery

TL;DR Summary:

**URGENT:** My support dog Indy tore a ligament and needed emergency surgery on April 23, 2025. With an 8-10 week recovery ahead, we're facing $6,000+ in veterinary surgery bills plus weeks of rehabilitation costs—all while I manage my own ongoing medical needs from service-related injuries. Any contribution toward our $10,000 goal will help ensure Indy receives the care she deserves while I continue to heal.

Who We Are:

Hi, I'm Matthew, a medically-retired U.S. Air Force Officer and pilot whose life changed forever in 2013. Diagnosed with a spinal cord injury/disorder (non-combat related), I have undergone eight neuro-spinal surgeries and a shunt implant, working tirelessly to rebuild my life and health.

Since February 2020 Indica "Indy" has been right by my side—she is an incredible six-year-old support dog who's provided strength, wisdom, and unwavering companionship through my last four surgeries and the isolation of the pandemic. She's not just a pet; she's my partner, helper, and heart.

What Happened:

Recently, Indy completely tore the CCL ligament in her hind leg while leaping off my couch—just being her usual energetic self. The veterinarian discovered her kneecaps are unstable from a genetic predisposition, which increases her risk of further injury.

She underwent surgery on April 23, 2025, and now faces 8-10 weeks of intensive recovery and rehabilitation. With my own physical limitations, I also need to invest in a ramp and other mobility aids to help her safely navigate our home during recovery.

The Financial Challenge:

As a veteran facing $2,500+/month in uncovered health costs, I’m struggling to keep us both healing. I invest heavily in my own continued healing through non-traditional therapies not covered by insurance or the VA. My dad’s generosity and disability benefits have carried me far, but I’ve hit my limit, leaning even further on credit card debt to cover the rest.

My Journey:

At one point pre-2017, I was being prescribed 140mg of Oxymorphone daily, along with other medications. Breaking free from opioids was excruciating but marked the beginning of my quest to truly heal through healthier alternatives.

After four more surgeries between 2020-2021, ketamine-assisted therapy and functional medicine became the catalyst for significant healthy lifestyle changes. I'm now at my healthiest weight since 2007, maintaining a meditation practice and healthy diet, continuing to work hard in physical therapy. Eyeing the future, I’m studying psychology with the goal of helping others with chronic pain while also following a separate passion learning the world of real estate investing.

All of this represents a substantial investment in myself, as many functional and holistic approaches are not covered by traditional insurance or the VA. Now, with Indy's unexpected needs, I'm reaching out for community support.

How You Can Help:

I'm humbly asking for your assistance to reach our $10,000 goal by June 30th to ensure Indy's complete recovery and support our healing journey together. Any contribution—no matter how small—makes a difference.

If you're unable to donate financially, sharing this campaign with your networks would be enormously helpful and deeply appreciated.

I will post periodic updates on Indy's recovery progress and am committed to paying forward any generosity we receive once things have calmed down…..once we’re back on our feet (figuratively).

Thank You

Being vulnerable enough to ask for help isn't easy, but Indy has taught me that strength often comes from connection. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any support you can offer—whether financial, emotional, or through sharing.

With profound gratitude,

Matt and Indy