Meeka is a 7-year-old Siberian Husky in Verndale, MN, who needs $2,500 for repair of her torn meniscus (cartilage in leg joint).

My family; wife Danielle, daughters, Lilliana and Adalynn and our 3 dogs; Meeka, Mylo and Rocko and myself moved up to Verndale Minnesota almost 4 years now. We had moved from a large suburb right on the outskirts of San Antonio Texas to a very small quiet country town in Minnesota with a population of 600. My wife and I are both medically retired Veterans. We met back in 2010 in the Wounded Warrior Battalion on Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. Danielle was medvac from Afghanistan with a Blood Disease that put her in a couple month coma after the first initial diagnosis of 48 hours to live. Her mother was flown to Germany to help bring her back to the states. I was medvac from Iraq with Cancer and after my first surgery in Germany was flown into Ft. Sam Houston’s Hospital. Our sicknesses led us to each other and after the first time we talked we have never left each other’s side. Once I started seeing a Psychiatrist for my severe PTSD, Danielle worked side by side with the VA and became my Caregiver. During this time the VA and other agencies helped us train our dog Rocko to become my Service Dog. Back in 2012 Danielle and I were told that we were not going to be able to have children. During this time I was very depressed and at multiple times considering suicide. Never thought I would get to that point but I am sure others feel that way too. On the evening when my plan was set to grab my Colt 45 and step into the shower, Danielle noticed I looked down and asked me to drink coffee with her on the porch for fresh air. Still with only one plan and one thing on my mind to carry out Danielle came back outside with my cup of coffee and a pregnancy test that she just taken showing that she was pregnant. What I said, no way!! But from that second my plan to go step into the shower was no where to be found in my thoughts. It was now, oh my gosh we’re having a child. What doctors said was impossible. Well July 4th 2013 (4th of July; Independence Day) our little firecracker Lilliana Rae Gronberg came on this world and within two years we brought Adalynn Mone Gronberg in as well. I am rated at 100% P&T with the VA and also receiving SSDI for my disabilities. But not only with Danielle, and my daughters that make me want to see what tomorrow brings but our 3 loving dogs do as well. One of Danielles first memories of me and her together was the day I brought Meeka home to her. A very fluffy, little Siberian Husky Puppy. Within the first month I had probably chased her a couple miles but the only way for me to get back in the house once she ran out was I had to come back in with her. At times I felt like she was Danielles number 1 and I was not at the very top of the list anymore but every time I would bring her back my name would be back on the list. Miles after Miles she would run and I would chase after her to bring her back home. Danielle to this day probably would still expect the same, none less, lol. For about the last month Meeka has been not wanting to be on all 4 legs, 3 at the very most. Being a strict budget, we finally saved enough for a couple xrays that showed Meeka has a tear in her left rear leg. This tear could take a year to heal but if she jumps the wrong way the tear could go to where it was or completely tear. The local vet in the next town to us, Paws and Prairie in Wadena, Minnesota is the Vet where the xrays had been taken. This is also the Vet where the Surgery can be performed. From Start to Finish to even include the follow up 6 week after X-ray the total cost is close to, almost right at $2,500.00. The Doctor said they pulled up this surgery procedure that was just recently done on another dog and the total was $2,200.00. With the follow up X-ray paid for in advance is what would bring the total to almost the $2,500.00. Not only to be awarded this grant to cover the surgery would be a blessing for all of us, but will feel like a new life to Meeka which is probably the most important thing. Thank you all for your time and consideration.