Mac is a 2-year-old Mix in Keaau, HI, who needs $500 for Double MLP Surgery.

Our family moved to the Big Island of Hawaii three years ago and started fostering through the Aloha Ilio Rescue. Four-month-old Mac was our second Hawaiian foster dog. He was found in a parking lot abandoned, malnourished, and suffering from some apparent medical issues. Mac immediately fit into the pack.

Mac is laid back and truly joyful. It does not matter what situation Mac is in, he will be wagging his tail and smiling. He is goofy, gentle, and snuggly. This makes him an excellent mentor to other dogs and friend of all creatures. He truly embodies the spirit of “Aloha,” a Hawaiian concept that encompasses love, peace, compassion, and harmony.

Mac always seemed nervous and unsteady walking on certain surfaces. Unlike our other three dogs, he never could jump up onto the bed or into the car, he needed to be lifted. It turns out there is a good reason for his reluctance. When, Mac, now two-years-old and sixty pounds, started limping in December of 2023, we took him to our regular vet. Mac was diagnosed with a medial luxating patella.

The medial luxating patella in Mac's left rear leg causes pain, crepitus, decreased range of motion, inflammation, and lameness. Mac needs a Double MLP Surgery to address the hereditary condition. There are very few local healthcare resources available for people and animals. We found a veterinary practice on the other side of the island (about 2.5 hrs. away) that is able to perform the surgery.

Our hearts are much bigger than our wallets and we are overextended. Chad recently injured his back and is out of work. We don’t have human children so the dogs are our furry kids. There is no way that we will give Mac up, but we do need help to pay for his surgery.