Help Teddy Take Strides for Healthy Hips

UPDATE 3 FROM MOM: First, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported us on this journey. Your kindness, generosity, and encouragement mean more than I can express. Right now, we are facing an unexpected setback in my boy’s path to receiving his total hip replacement. While he remains a strong candidate for the surgery, he is currently unable to proceed due to a skin condition that must be resolved before he can qualify. This is a critical issue, as untreated skin problems can lead to serious complications—even life-threatening ones. Our priority is twofold: ensuring his skin is fully healed so he can meet the surgical requirements, while also continuing to manage his pain, mobility, and overall well-being. In the meantime, he has started underwater treadmill therapy, and it has been a success so far! He works hard in every session, despite the challenges he faces. We’re also maintaining a rigorous home physical therapy schedule (4-6 times per week) based on his pain tolerance. His anxiety and discomfort are ongoing battles, and sleep has been a struggle for both of us. But through it all, he remains the good, loving, resilient boy he has always been. This journey isn’t just about surgery—it’s about giving him the long, healthy, and purposeful life he deserves. For those who may not know his story, he came into my life after I survived an abusive relationship, hence his name “Theodor Luke” which means “God’s gift of light”. I never forget writing a prayer on a sticky note in March 2021 asking God for a dog that would be best suite me and be my companion. The following month, I met 10 German Shepherd puppies, and Teddy chose me! Teddy has been more than what I asked for. He consistently reminds me that love, loyalty, and healing are possible. Through one of the most challenging periods of my life—marked by serious health struggles, hospitalizations, relocating, and unexpected financial hardships—he remained my unwavering source of strength, loyalty, and comfort. There were moments I wasn’t sure how I would keep going, but Teddy was always there, reminding me that I wasn’t alone. Now, I am committed to giving him the care he deserves, just as he has always stood by me. We are still determined to make this surgery happen, and every bit of support helps us move forward—whether it’s prayers, donations, or simply sharing our story. Thank you for standing with us. 

Thank you to those who’ve inquired about Teddy’s current monthly expenses:

Food: Orijen Six Fix 23lbs bag $120

Medications: Rimadyl, Gabapentin, Trazadone, Joint Supplements, Simparica Trio, Fish Oil, Probiotic: $150 

Petco Vital Care Premier: $24.99 

Nationwide Insurance: $141.63 

Weekly Rehabilitation Underwater Treadmill Therapy & Cold Laser: $409.08

Baths at Pet Supply Plus: $12

Upcoming expenses will be related to his Post-Operative Care and Rehabilitation, Pain Management.

UPDATE 2: Hi Everybody! My name is Theodor Luke, but you can call me Teddy! FUN FACT: My name means “God’s Gift of Light”. I am a 3 year old purebred German Shepherd and I am also a Psychiatric Service Animal. I was diagnosed with bi-lateral hip dysplasia in August 2022 after an emergency G.I. exploratory. My mom suspected it early on when I was between 4-6months—back when we were still living in Michigan—but my first veterinarian didn’t believe her and wouldn’t perform the X-rays when she requested them. After moving to Houston, TX in April of the same year, my mom found the best Veterinarian! Thankfully, I was approved for total hip replacement surgery. Unfortunately, the surgery has been delayed multiple times due to various set backs. My skin dermatitis. My mom being laid off from her job. My mom’s health. Since then, outside of my normal Primary Veterinarian, my mom has taken me to a Dermatologist and a Sports Medicine Rehabilitation doctor where I received treatment for my skin as well as physical therapy to manage my pain. Even after the Dermatologist prescribed vegan dog food (that can only be purchased from one location) and medications, my skin actually got worse. This further delayed my surgery. My mom decided to take matters into her own hands by making home remedies and researching the best dog food for me. The Sports Medicine Veterinarian created an at-home plan with the goal of increasing my muscle mass and strength before surgery. My skin is 100% clear for the first time (which was a requirement for the surgery) but I am in pain 24/7. My right hip will be replaced first, because it’s in worse shape than the left. I currently have arthritis.

September: After relocating back to Michigan, we are getting re-established and will have a new surgery date soon!

If you find it in your heart to support, that is very much so appreciated! I plan to post updates on my instagram story so please follow me @theodorluke_teddygsd ❤️