Hope is a one-year-old Pit Bull mix in Houston, TX, who needs $2,000 for urgent leg surgery.

Hope dog never knew love. She never knew what it was like to have a soft bed to sleep in or a family who cared for her. But when volunteers with Cypress Lucky Mutt Rescue first saw her, they saw a spark in her eyes and took a chance saving her.

"Ten months ago, Hope came into our lives," her foster mom, Susan G., tells Waggle. "She was rescued off the coast walking across a levy, starved of food, love, and safety. She was skin and bones and terrified of everyone and everything. We took her in and named her Hope. She had been through so much in her short life, but there was still "hope" in her eyes. We fell in love with this beautiful girl."

Hope was definitely a challenge at first. "She had a rough start; she was so weak and couldn't be around others because of extreme fear. With time, love, patience, and lots of training Hope has learned to trust most humans and can be around other dogs. She loves her family, including the children. She's wonderful with our other dog and foster puppies. She loves to play fetch and find it and then suckle on one of her stuffed animals," Susan says.

As Hope started to blossom, it became clear she had difficulty getting around. Susan brought her to The Oaks Veterinary Clinic, where the medical team discovered she has ACL tears in both her back legs. "She likely sustained trauma to her legs before being rescued," Susan says. "The veterinarians think she was most likely hit by a car while living on the streets. I am at a loss for words. Hope is a survivor, and she didn't come all this way not to get the help that she needs. She needs two separate surgeries along with physical therapy."

Now Susan and the rescue are trying to fundraise the money for Hope to get her life-changing surgery.

"This was certainly unexpected," Susan says. "We knew she walked differently but had no idea that she had sustained such injuries. The cost for both surgeries exceeds $6,500. She will also need a wheelchair and rehab. I want to do whatever I can to help Hope have the best life!"

And after she's fixed up, Susan isn't letting her go! Hope is home.

"Hope is my soul dog," Susan says. "She came into my life at the right time. Some say we saved her, but I think she saved me. My "Little Hippo" mended a hole in my heart after losing two of our pets. Together we overcome our fears and build up our confidence every day through training, love, outings. Her favorite is car rides. I love that she likes to sleep under the covers with her head on my chest."