Elpis is a 0-year-old German Shepherd in Hillman, MN, who needs $1,500 for PRAA: Persistent Right Aortic Arch Repair.

I had a third litter of beautiful German Shepherd puppies. At 8 weeks, this puppy went to her new home. The next day I received a text stating she was not keeping anything down, not food or water. I felt more comfortable bringing her back home until I could get her into the vet. I brought her to the vet, they did an x-ray and informed me she had Megaesophagus. Recommended I put her to down.

Elpis makes our household a family of 7. I strongly believe she came back into my life because God knew she would be in the best hands, and well taken care of. Elpis lives with her mom and dad, her half brother, two other sisters and brother. So we now have 5 shepherds and 2 pitbulls :) We also have 3 cats. So our household is a zoo. She loves playing with her siblings.

We were referred to the U of M Vet Surgery center. I have already spent $500 on these first two vet appointments. The surgery consult at the U will be $233 plus additional x-ray and blood work. Surgery is 4,500+, and we do not have the funds to pay for this necessary surgery

Elpis was first diagnosed with Mega esophagus at Garrison Animal Hospital. With the recommendation to put her down, I just couldn't live with that. So I did research about this disease. My vet called me a few days later to see how puppy was doing. I went back and got further testing, underlying cause of ME was PRAA, persistent right aortic arch, which can be corrected with surgery. Referred again.

Elpis is special because she is a normal 9 week old puppy other than how she has to eat. Elpis has to eat mushed food in a slurry like form while sitting upright then stay sitting up for 20-30 minutes afterwards to prevent regurgitation. She loves to chase the cats. She loves to play with socks and chew on shoes. Elpis and I have a very special bond because I am the one that feeds here.