Buddy is a 5-year-old Dachshund Terrier Mix in Napa, CA, who needs $1,655 for ACL surgery (cruciate ligament repair).

I rescued Buddy from Napa County Animal Shelter in March 2017. He was uncomfortable around other dogs and humans. Buddy was abandoned twice before I adopted him and he spent at least a year in animal shelters. He was 2.5 years old. I was so grateful to meet him. Shortly after adoption, he experienced a serious skin allergy which I found appropriate medication and diet for with his vets.

Buddy loves sleeping under covers on his side of my bed. His best friend is Tuxedo, my mom’s dog, whom we live with. Mom also has a cat who is King of the house. Buddy, Tux, and Kitty love walking around the block together (Kitty is talented!). Buddy and Tux start a howling duet as soon as the humans exit the front door. Buddy loves Alston dog park (next to the vineyards) and Dillon Beach.

I am a nonprofit employee and essential worker. I also live with multiple disabilities. I wish I could afford Buddy’s surgery on my current income and illness, but I cannot change jobs this year. Buddy needs his surgery before I will be able to find a better paying job.

Buddy tore his doggy ACL in February 2020. We got the surgery estimate in March and then COVID19 happened and wildfires. I have tried reducing Buddy’s walks, putting him on a diet, and monitoring his bad leg’s health. I have also met with Buddy’s vet Dr. Jeff Northrup, who works at Napa Valley Veterinary Hospital, several times since February. Surgery is Buddy’s best bet for full recovery.

As soon as I come home from work or errands, 10 minutes or a few hours, Buddy brings me his most recent find: a lost shoe or dusty toy. After he shows me his find, he leads me to my room or outside to continue showing me his hard work, which requires belly rubs and kisses in return. If his kissing makes me laugh, he lays them on until I can’t stop. Buddy is my joy!