River is a 4-year-old Lab mix in Lake Station, IN, who needs $2,000 for Surgery for a Torn Achilles Tendon.

She came from an unwanted litter of a friend of mine. We've had her for about 4 years and she's the best. She and my son are best friends. We have 2 other dogs in the house- Daisy is a beagle, and Mia is a Maltese mix. We also have a black cat named Boo. We decided to name her River because we like to go camping on the Tippecanoe River.

She's a perfect dog for a house with kids..... she has a great temperament. She plays with the other dogs and plays with my son for the majority of the day. She loves to go for rides in anything with a motor, including golf carts. She also loves water and will jump in any pool, and has ruined a few in her life.

She is an absolute lover and is the happiest-go-lucky animal we've ever seen. She is wonderful with everyone she meets (two and four-legged) and just wants to love you and to be loved. She loves kisses, and treats, and my son, Ryker. She's friends with every dog she meets, and we can't imagine life without her.

She slipped on some ice and tore her Achilles tendon. We took her to the vet, who sent her to a specialist. The surgery is much more than we can afford. They are wanting to schedule the surgery as soon as possible.

My husband is a cement mason and work all but disappears in the winter time. And the fact that they want the money up front and won't accept payments makes it even harder.