Stitch's Hip Surgery

Hi! My name is Rachel and I'm raising money to help financially afford my boy's hip surgery. For some back story, I adopted Stitch at 8 weeks old from a shelter in my area. I adopted him at a time in my life when everything that could be uprooted, was. When I brought Stitch home, I realized that I would do anything and everything to give this boy the best life one could imagine. While his story prior to his adoption was filled with pain and suffering, that would never be his future. As anyone who's raised a puppy knows, it's really hard. It was weeks of sleeping on the floor with him, running out of my apartment in the middle of the night for potty breaks, constant training, and building trust and safety in one another. While this resulted in exhaustion and at times tears, he pulled me out of the darkest time in my life. He kept me active when I was feeling the most depressed. We created routines that kept me eating when I least wanted to. He made me feel safe and gave me renewed hope and healing in my past traumas. He taught me that I am not only the sum of my past, but that I can teach, lead, and love in a way totally different than I had ever personally known. Those who know me know that my life revolves around this sweet little (70 lbs) puppy. He is so friendly and kind, he is 17 months old and is the most gentle dog I know. He loves hiking, swimming, and going to any park to make or spend time with his friends. My goal in this surgery is that he will be able to continue doing what brings him joy for the rest of his happy, long life.

My pup started with a limp a few months back. After a multitude of x-rays, chiropractic care, and months of limited to no movement (originally thinking it was ligament damage), we are facing a need for total hip replacement. He is currently considered to have general lameness and with age he will also develop arthritis in addition to his current lameness. Total hip replacement surgery will mean he will be completely healed and have no need for any further treatment. After an estimated 12-week recovery time, he will be permanently recovered and no longer limp or experience any pain or lameness in his legs.

I just want the best future for my pup. I want him to be able to return to the life we once had together-- long hikes in the fall/winter, early morning walks/runs, seeing the world together and experiencing fullness in life. This surgery will give him that. Thank you all for taking the time to read my story. Thank you in advance to everyone who helps us get even one step closer to his healing.