Gia's Double ACL Surgery

K Smith is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Hello all!

If you know me, you know just how obsessed I am with my dog Gia, who I adopted during the pandemic. Gia is a smart and sweet 6-year-old pup, who we suspect is part Pit Bull Terrier, Boxer, and Lab. She has brought me so much love, purpose, and stability throughout our last three years together and to put it plainly, I don’t know where I would be without her.

Unfortunately, Gia partially tore her right ACL back in early May while playing with a pal, and recently tore the other while waiting for a consultation at Angell Memorial MSPCA Hospital. According to the estimates, each surgery will cost between $5453.28 and $6147.28. Pet Insurance has refused coverage for any of these procedures. We have applied for financial assistance programs both through the clinic and charitable pet foundations, but nothing has been guaranteed.

Gia is a young, happy, and healthy dog. When her knees are in full force, she loves nothing more than romping around outdoors. In addition to our daily 3-mile walks, she loves hiking, jumping for sticks, and rolling around in any patch of grass available (see photos). As an active resident in the Somerville area, Gia brings affection and joy to so many people’s lives, both within the community and beyond.

Without these surgeries, our vet has assured us that her ACLs will completely tear, leading to permanent lameness. Because of the cost and unpredictable nature of this injury, I cannot afford to pay for the surgeries on my own. As previously mentioned, I am working with other organizations, including the MSPCA, to apply for financial assistance. Navigating this situation has been very difficult because of how important her well-being is to me.

If your current situation allows, a contribution of any amount would truly mean the world to me. Any support, financial or otherwise, is deeply appreciated and welcome. If you feel comfortable, please share this on social media, or send the page along to your friends, family, and other community members. My appreciation is immeasurable to those who have shown my girl so much love over the years.

Updates on Gia’s surgeries will be provided here. Her first surgery is on August 22nd, 2023. I will also provide updates on my Instagram @kayshmiff, and via snail mail (send me your address!) as we embark on this long, strenuous journey toward full recovery.