Piper is a Labrador Retriever puppy in Pleasant Hill, IA, who needs $1,045 for leg amputation.

Piper came to us as a puppy. We've always wanted a companion for our other dog and when we heard that her parents were pregnant again our boys loved the idea of both dogs being actual sisters. We live on an acreage so Piper gets to do what dogs love to do best...run, chase, and play with the kids (and dad).

Piper has made herself right at home with our 3 boys and Remmy, her 3 year old sister. She has an amazing temperament and loves our 6 year old especially. Every night she hobbles her way up the steps of his bunk bed and lays with him until he's ready to fall asleep. With dad working from home now, she spends most of her day running around the yard chasing squirrels...and her older sister!

Piper is sweet and docile one minute and absolutely nuts the next. All it takes is seeing an animal outside. She'll run from window to window, door to door, until she's let out to chase. She'll come back in very proud of herself for protecting her yard and pass out on the floor. She's also terrible at catching treats, with most hitting her right between the eyes before she even moves her mouth.

Piper has a damaged rear hock. We've been told that while surgeries to repair may be available, due to the nature and area of the injury they don't have high rates of long-term success meaning that Piper might experience chronic pain in that joint for many more years. Our vet at Hubbell Animal hospital agrees that amputation could offer Piper a better chance at a pain-free life.

Between visits, specialists, imaging, injections, etc.,our vet bills have already ran in the thousands. With 3 kids at home, we have to be mindful of our other financial responsibilities and unfortunately we aren't able to spend an additional $1,000+ on another procedure.