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    Started by Eniala January 25th, 2012

    Save a dog's life! Rescue pup needs surgery.

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Philanthropy

Save a dog's life! Rescue pup needs surgery.

Hello, Rockethub!

Two months ago, my parents were looking to get a dog.  They wanted a Springer Spaniel puppy, had contacted some breeders in the area, and were prepared to go look at one of the puppies.  Excited, my mom went to the pet store to pick up some new supplies...and found Rocky, a border collie mix who was with the rescue program showing off some dogs for adoption.

They fell in love with him instantly, all thoughts of the Springer momentarily forgotten.  After taking him around the store, playing with him, and getting to know him, she was ready to take him home.  As they were about to sign the paperwork, though, the rescue volunteer asked my mom, "You did notice he's lame in one leg, right?  The last person who wanted to take him changed her mind when she found out." 

They took him home, and love him.  He's one of the gentlest, sweetest dogs I've ever met, despite the very rough first seven months of his life, which were spent abandoned and in shelters.  After a visit to the vet, and an orthopedic specialist, my parents discovered what the actual problem in his leg was.

Just about all the ligaments and much of the tissue along his front rght wrist (see picture) are shredded and torn away from the bone.  Ligaments won't heal themselves, they must be repaired, but in this case the damage is too extensive even for that.  Rocky requires surgery to clean up what damage they can, then attach a metal plate and bone-graft over it.  His joint will be locked for the rest of his life, but he will be able to run and play and retain use of his leg.  Without the surgery, the tears will get worse and worse over time; right now his wrist flops, eventually his whole leg will.  Between that and the arthritis that the vet promises will be inevitable, he will eventually lose the use of his leg, not to mention the extensive pain he will constantly be in.


There is not a question about my parents doing the surgery: they want what's best for this dog, and they are going to do everything in their power to make it happen.  However, we are not a wealthy family to begin with, and after helping my brother and I through college, they are still paying off some fairly massive loans.  To do this surgery, they will have to apply for a special 'pet only' credit card, and have yet another growing debt to pay off.


I want Rocky to live, and live happily, and live comfortably.  I know my parents want the same thing, but they are struggling a lot financially to make it happen.  I don't have the means to pay them back for all their help yet, but I want to do whatever I can to make this easier for everyone.

With your help, I can raise the money to cover Rocky's surgery (the vet estimates 4,500.00) without forcing my parents into more debt!  If I happen to reach my goal and the project is fueled over 100%, anything extra will still be going to Rocky.  He'll need vet appointments, medication, a special brace as he re-learns to use his leg, and other associated fees that I have not included in the cost of the surgery alone.

Please, every little bit helps!  Even if I don't reach my goal, whatever you can offer will still be that much more of a relief.  Thank you all in advance for anything you are willing to give.

 

EDIT:  Here is some info for the vet. staff Rocky will be having surgery with.  If you would like to call to verify, please use the number listed below instead of the main number on their website, so you get someone who is expecting any calls.

Veterinary Referral Center of Colorado
http://www.vrcc.com/
Christi Sabela: 303.874.2080