Growing up, my home was full of laughter, barking, and playing. We owned a golden fluff ball named Levi. He and I grew up together. He watched me transform from a kid to an adult and leave home. I watched him go from a tiny, energetic pup to a senile old man. We were the best of friends until he was too weak to stick around.  My family was heartbroken when he had to leave us, and I was sure I would never love another dog again. 

Then Wrigley came along. We waited four whole years to open our hearts back up to the thought of a new fluff ball running around our yard. The second I met Wrigley, my heart burst with a new kind of unconditional love. Wrigz has the kindest eyes and a quirky personality that makes everyone swoon over him. We spent every second together this past summer. He quickly became my partner in crime, adventure buddy, and my shadow. 

Then one day, we noticed he was sitting funny, he didn't have the energy that he once had, and he walked a little sideways. His back legs were too close together and he just wasn't developing the way he should be. He is not even a year old, so this was troubling. Hip dysplasia is common in Golden Retrievers, so we immediately took him to the vet to get him checked out. The diagnosis was gruesome.

We sent Wrigley's X-rays to the University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center. Wrigley's X-rays show that he is a good candidate for hip replacement surgery on his left side. This would be putting a new metal ball and socket in his hip and leg. The cost would be $4,200-$4,500 for each hip, depending on the size of parts they need. His surgery is set for April 25th. They will re-evaluate his right hip in the future, after he recovers from the left side. Recovery is about 6 months with limited movement for the first 8 weeks. He will have a sling for support. Other costs that my family is taking into consideration are X-rays and medications for pain and inflammation ($1,000) and post operation sling, medications, and travel ($1,500). If the surgeries are possible, he would have total recovery and the parts would last a lifetime. If, after recovery, they decide the right hip replacement is unnecessary, we will donate the money to University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center and Westlake Animal Hospital for other Goldens that have hip troubles.
http://vhc.missouri.edu
http://www.westlakepetvet.com/about.html  

My family and I were a little wary of asking for funds through Go Fund Me. We don't necessarily enjoy asking for help, however, this situation is more important than our pride. Our Wrigley is the sweetest dog and it is heartbreaking watching him be in pain everyday. Our wish and our hope is that after a full recovery he can begin to act and play like a normal puppy with no health concerns. Any donation would be extremely appreciated!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our animal loving hearts.