Ivan is a 2-year-old Chihuahua Mix in Austin, TX, who needs $1,400 for Lateral suture + MPL.

Ivan was rescued from a family of hoarders with a large number of other dogs, all of whom were abused. He weighed under 8 lbs, had heart worms and hookworms and very little hair. We found out very early on that he also had a bone growth abnormality. Although we know he is around two years old and has adult teeth, his X-rays show the bones of a puppy that have not fused together.

Ivan is a joy to have in our home. He has bonded with me and follows me wherever I go. He plays fetch with the kids in the backyard and falls asleep on the couch between my husband and me on family movie nights. He is also a great at cuddling. He loves to sit next to me or at my feet while I work on the computer, nap with sick kids and tunnel under blankets.

COVID has been hard on us. I had to take time off over the summer due to stress and no childcare -- which meant no money coming in from my freelance writing work. We have used up our savings and can't afford this surgery.

Ivan likely inherited luxating patellas from the Chihuahua side of his lineage. He has now had two surgeries. He was about 3 weeks from being done with crate rest after the first surgery when I let my youngest son take him out back for a potty break. Unfortunately, they always play rough and Ivan ended up running and hurting his other leg. Both times his knee needed stabilizing and had ACL tears.

He is smart, loyal and protective. He barks and charges the door whenever the doorbell rings, even when he was only walking on three legs. He loves to carry soccer balls in his mouth that are bigger than he is and play tug-of-war. Before his knee injuries, he even loved to go jogging. His favorite place to sleep (because he's not allowed in our bed) is under the bed right under me.