Please Help Howard!

Howard (also known as Howie or HowBow) is a much loved face of Island Grown Initiative farm on Martha’s Vineyard, along with his incredible owner Alex Parris. Howard is 10 years old, and he’s a real good boy; arguably the BEST boy. Howard is in magnificent health. However, he recently tore his left ACL completely and is now struggling with a painful limp.

There are 3 possible surgeries. The 2 expensive options require taking the ferry off-island and will cost $4500-$5500 to replace his ACL with genuine bovine ligament, which will hold up better and longer than an artificial ligament. The less expensive option is done on the island by Dr. Atwood at Animal Healthcare. For $1500, a nylon braid made of artificial ligament will be used to fabricate his ACL. We would be very happy with the cheaper option, so $1500 is our minimum.

We know that he’s got quite a few more years left, but for him to live out these next few years HEALTHILY and HAPPILY, he needs surgery as soon as possible. He’s got lots of family and friends awaiting his healing, including a little human sister named Aria, who is hoping to grow with her best friend.

We would be grateful for any help sent Howard’s way.