Brutus is a 12-year-old Bichon Frise in Des Moines, IA, who needs $2,000 for CCL Extracapsular Repair Sm Unilteral.

We adopted Brutus 2 years ago after our first dog, Chico, passed. His previous owner passed before he was given up for adoption, but it was clear he came from a loving home. We honor that tradition and maintain a calm, loving family life as he gets older.

Brutus came into our lives at a time when we were mourning the loss of a dog and helped us deal with the loss while finding ways to show how much we loved us. He is very much a Daddy's Boy, enjoying laptime and snuggles, but he won't pass up a chance to cuddle up in his mom's lap for a quick snooze or a long scritch session.

Although Brutus is an older dog, you wouldn't tell it by how he acts. He is energetic, loves to take walks and explore the world around him, and is a constant source of joy. He is very talkative, communicating with "murphs" and other noises, which showcases his personality and general zest for life.

In late 2023, we noticed Brutus started limping and wasn't as playful as he usually is. After taking him to Avondale Veterinary Center, we found out he tore a ligament in his right rear leg. Since then, our bubbly boy has been more lethargic and less willing to do the things he loves to do, like jumping into our laps. We know he's in pain and it breaks our hearts knowing it.

The vet provided us with an estimate of close to $4000 to complete the surgery, Due to a Chapter 13 bankruptcy and resulting tight budget, we are unable to afford treatment. Brutus has plenty of life and joy left in him, and we want our happy boy to be able to play again.