Dakota is a 7-year-old Lab/Collie mix in Tucson, AZ, who needs $2,000 for ACL surgery.

We rescued Dakota at 6 months old from the ND humane society. We lived in Minot for 6 years. We recently moved to AZ. We are all enjoying the area and our hoping our sweet girl will be better soon so we can start to enjoy the area as a family. Currently we live in a house that we are loving and so are our dogs.

Dakota has always been a spunky energetic lady. She has a younger brother named Apollo who is 6 years old. They love each other and are basically inseparable. Dakota basically taught Apollo how to be a dog when we brought him home from the humane society as a young puppy. They love to play together and cuddle.

Recently we have bought a house and a necessary car. We have also had some large pop up expenses regarding our home. Spending $8000 in a year just on dog surgery is not something we anticipated

Dakota tore her left ACL last year and we tried to pain manage because we weren’t sure what we wanted to do. Watching her hop around and lose balance is heart breaking. We eventually decided to pay for the surgery which was $3800. She healed great and was loving be normal again. However recently she played a little too hard and tore her right ACL. This surgery is expected to cost another $4100.

Dakota is the alpha or the family but is terrified of loud noises. Fireworks, the vacuum, car alarms, etc. if it is loud, she comes bolting over so we can protect her. She is an aggressive lover and when you laugh she kisses you even more. She also sometimes gives a teethy grin that is hilarious to look at.