Help save our beloved Moonshine

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My sweet Moonshine came into our lives about 3 years ago. When l adopted her at only 6 months old she had already been rehomed three times. We quickly became very fond of each other and knew she'd be mine forever. Without her I honestly don't think I would be here today, she literally saved my life- and now it is time for me to do the same for her.

2016 was a rough year for my Moonshine to say the least. She had been suffering from a bad limp in her back leg region that seemed to have come out of nowhere. Soon after that she suffered a devastating seizure that left me heartbroken. Thankfully she hasn't suffered any more seizures and the doctors still aren't sure what had caused it but at the same time her limping was becoming worse. After countless trips to different vets and 3 different opinions we finally got the news we had been dreading the most. On June 16, 2016 my poor baby was diagnosed with severe double hip dysplasia. This disease is the failure of the hip joints to develop normally, gradually deteriorating and leading to loss of function of the hip joints. This is a painful and devastating disease and if not treated causes the animal to eventually be euthanized to be put out of their misery.


At only two and a half years old this news had blindsided us as it's usually more commonly seen in elderly dogs. Just like that, the dog who has gotten me through my darkest days and continues to be the one I lean on needs my help now more than ever.

She has now been taking meloxidyl (metacam) regularly for the pain and swelling in her joints and has been taking many joint supplements. Although we saw what seemed to be improvement or at least some stability after the start of new medication she is now showing rapid signs of deterioration as the months have gone on. Her right leg is curving inward when she walks and she cries and winces when getting up or lying back down. She can no longer get in and out of the car on her own or even enjoy what was her favorite game-fetch. Unfortunately the time has come for her to go in for her first hip surgery to correct the problem and get her back to the dog I know she is on the inside. 

After my husband, Nathan, got out of the military we moved back home from NY to CA where we have established a new vet for her and have made our decision about moving forward with the surgery. Unfortunately her normal vet is unable to do the surgery. She will need an orthopedic surgeon to perform the surgeries and we will be traveling to a specialized surgeon in Colorado for her to receive her treatment. Unfortunately financially at this time we can not afford anything in CA as pricing for this surgery is almost double.

I will be scheduling her first FHO surgery at the end of May once the school semester is finished and we are able to be home with her during recovery. Her surgeries are ranging from $1,500-2,000 each side totaling up to $4,000 in surgery costs alone and she will need to have one side done at a time. Recovery periods range but can take up to a year for each hip so we are facing an uphill battle but I will do whatever it takes.

If you know my Moonshine she is the HAPPIEST, most loving dog and she just isn't herself anymore and she doesn't deserve to be in pain any longer. Her sister, Madison, our second dog is heartbroken seeing Moonshine in pain. I will do anything for this dog and if you know me you know I hate asking for help but I'm here asking for your help today, if you can. Even if it's only a little to you it will go along way with the upcoming surgeries and travel expenses.

Prayers are desperately needed as well. Thank you so much for taking the time to read her story.

Please share!!!!

Love,
Jade, Nathan, Moonshine and her sister Madison