Teddy is a 1-year-old Beagle in Augusta, GA, who needs $2,000 for FHO surgery.

Teddy came into our lives in November 2020. We saw a post on Craigslist for a puppy that was the last of his litter. He was small, but so energetic and loving. He grew in what seemed like a day, from 7 lbs to 30 lbs, all in 6 months. Teddy is almost 8 months old and he has been in our family for 6 months. He lives with me and my boyfriend in Augusta, GA.

Immediately after we took him home, he adjusted within a day. His intelligence amazed us. Within a week, he could sit, lay down, and roll over. He even was able to hit a bell on the door when he wanted to go potty. He is nothing but sweetness to everyone he encounters. Whenever we go to the park, he walks up to kids and adults, waiting for a belly rub.

This is a very unexpected and large expense for us. I am a college student and my boyfriend has just graduated from college. You never think that your puppy will need hip surgery in the first year of his life. We just want to give him the best quality of life possible.

Out of the blue, teddy started limping and not wanting to walk anywhere.,even to his food bowl. He had an X-ray and it was determined that he has hip dysplasia. He desperately needs FHO surgery followed by physical therapy in order to give him a chance to return to normal. His mood has clearly changed and it’s upsetting to see him disinterested in things now that he can’t get around anymore.

Teddy is very special because of how unexpected he turned out. When we got a beagle/ dachshund mix, we expected lots of energy and howling. However, with teddy that wasn’t the case. He doesn’t bark ever. He’s a silent boy who likes to observe people as they walk by, or smell flowers. He could smell flowers for DAYS. Something that makes us laugh is his laziness in the am when it’s time to walk.