Ronin is a 11-year-old Terrier Mix in Las Vegas, NV, who needs $2,000 for TPLO.

In Las Vegas people abandon there pets in the desert. I found Ronin on the side of the Blue Diamond Hwy starving and terrified (12 wks old). She had a scar across her head, her ears and four toes had been torn off. I took her home and she was a terrified and wild thing for a while and then one day she accepted that she was safe and she has been my baby ever since, stubborn, funny and sweet.

She is my constant companion. I teach at the university and some days I bring her to work even. I have learned that just her presence relaxes the vibe in the classroom. She just sits by my desk and lets students who wish to pet her. She sleeps on my pillow, I am allowed 50%. The first thing we do every morning is walk and then breakfast. She reminds me about loving and being loved.

Ronin is Ronin. She has a definite personality. She's a bit of a bully but she also knows when to stop. When I work on the couch she crawls between the back of the couch and me to sleep while I work. She likes chasing balls but will not return them. She likes to stand over my shoulder and watch me do things. Sometimes I think she is a cat. She has a smile and loves to have her tummy scratch.

She began limping and it got worse. The pain seemed to increase too. I went to my vet and then a specialist who said both her knees are torn. He said it was genetic but irreversible but that a TPLO for the knees would fix the issue.

It will cost all my savings to fix this. I am a adjunct which means I work 9 months out of the year and then part time jobs in summer. I live to the bone. Our hikes and walks are what make life bright for both of us. It is our happy time. Her well is all that matters.