Luca's Hip Dysplasia Surgeries

To those who may be clients, family, friends, or those just poping In to read my story.

The week before Thanksgiving I discovered my little guy Luca was diagnosed via the amazing staff at the West Fargo Animal Hospital with advanced hip dysplasia in both hips, signs of arthritis, and stage one Lux Patella in one knee.

Luca was born 1/13/2023 which was also Friday the 13th. At first I thought it was cute but now i believe luck just wasn't ever on his side. With being so young and plagued with such issues it's been quite hard. He has good days where it's hard to believe such a young pup can really be in that much pain then as easily the next he struggles with simple things that no dog owner would ever want to see. It's heart breaking and devastating.

Luca came into my world unexpectedly during a very hard time. I was struggling mentally and honestly I have no idea what I was thinking taking on a energetic ball of fluff with an additude when I didn't even know how to take care of my own mental health. I just couldn't resist. Adding a 3rd dog to the mix just seemed right even though Jax and Dude may have disagreed with my choice initially. He grew on all of us. And if your one of my clients reading this im sure some of you recall meeting Luca at the salon. He spent the first 2 and a half months pretty much attached to my side. During breaks between clients he'd either be visiting others in the salon, working on training, or would be outside hopping in the snow and chasing leafs as i froze watching him enjoy exploring the new things all around him.

The thing with hip dysplasia is that as it progresses without getting the proper surgeries for him he will become less and less active. He will ultimately loose out on his ability to do the things he loves and with that it will affect the experiences I was hoping to have with him. I imagined hiking through the mountains and exploring life together. I never had a thought that these things may be tough or nearly impossible for him physically.

Luca will ultimately need both hips replaced. Which will cost around $7k per hip spread out over 2 surgeries totaling $14,000 + with a full recovery period of up to 3 months each. The procedure it self isn't what makes hip replacements so expensive. The actual cost of the implants make up for almost 40% of the cost. And unfortunately that cost is high. Well more then what I ever expected when I heard his diagnosis.

As for planning when I'm able to get the funds together it will be for us to travel out to Colorado for his first procedure. Unfortunately not all small animal orthopedic surgeons offer this surgery so there really isn't options close by. Though I am still keeping my options open if I'm able to find something closer.

When it comes to funding this I plan to just focus on one hip at a time and see from there. In a lot cases doing one will create a big difference. Though in time hopefully he will be able to get them both done.

I currently have set him up with his own personal savings so I'm able to stick money aside to go twords his surgeries. And am looking at options to where I could make some extra money outside of my business to help get there quicker. I just am afraid it won't be quick enough. So I'm here doing what i hate most. If you know me you know I despise asking for help in general. I have always found a way on my own and taken pride in my independence. But I'd do anything to give him the life he deserves. (Let me know if ud like to buy some foot pics jk... okay maybe some toe bean pics .)

But in all seriousness If you would like to donate all proceeds will go into the surgeries and recovery for him. And for those unable to donate I appreciate you taking the time out to read this and ask for you to conjure some positive energy to send my way and possibly a share on social media.

Thank you, from me and my my 3 kids.

Luca,Jax,Dude, and Zach