Help Poppy get bilateral grade-3 luxating patellas surgery — Taswell, IN

Poppy was a rescue from an irresponsible and unethical backyard breeder and has been with us for 9 years now she's always had a limp from this problem in one knee but now the problem has spread to both knees and has immobilized her until we get the surgery. We are a retired couple and Poppy is our companion dog she loves to spend time with us just relaxing in our recliners. Whenever one person gets up she will jump down and go get in the recliner with the other person so she takes very good care of us.

Our dog Poppy is a 9-year-old, 6-pound Chihuahua mix with a genetic condition affecting both knees. Her kneecaps repeatedly slip out of place, and her veterinarian believes the luxation is approximately grade 3. Her condition has now progressed to the point that she is having difficulty walking and sometimes becomes immobile.

Poppy was given steroids to help with the pain and inflammation temporarily, but our veterinarian recommends surgery on both knees to restore her mobility and improve her quality of life. The estimated cost is approximately $1,500, including the surgery, anesthesia, bloodwork, X-rays and medication. Orange County Animal Clinic in Paoli Indiana is her lifelong vet and has agreed to do the surgery.

We are a retired couple and Poppy has been with us for 9 years . She is our companion and we love her dearly!

We are a retired couple living on a limited, fixed Social Security income. We love Poppy dearly and want to give her the treatment she needs, but this expense is beyond what we can afford on our Social Security income. We are asking for assistance so Poppy can walk comfortably again and continue enjoying her life with us.