Tia Willow is a 6-year-old Australian Shepherd Mix in Coeur d Alene, ID, who needs $2,000 for Extracapsular suture stabilization.

Tia Willow joined my life October 2014 at the age of 10 weeks. I adopted her from a local Humane Society. She had a terrible ear infection and bronchitis within a few days of bringing her home; it was not known if she would survive the bronchitis. She is now 6 years of age. Our life together has been full of adventure and lots of embracing love.

In 2017, I rescued another dog, Chester, at two years of age. Tia Willow and Chester are bonded as the best of friends. They love playing rough and even though Chester is larger than her, Tia Willow is the alpha in our household. She is so affectionate and helps keep the joy in my life. She is a beautiful dog who is keen to what my needs may be. Now she is in need.

I live paycheck to paycheck and do not have the funds, or means, to pay for her surgery. I can pay up to $1,000 using a credit card. I don't have anything to sell to help cover the costs. I drive a 27 year old car that is only worth $500.

Somehow (probably chasing squirrels in her backyard), Tia Willow partially tore her ACL in both rear legs. On August 12, 2020 I was given the bad news by Dr. Peale at Hayden Pet Medical Center that Tia Willow needed surgery for both her legs at a cost of $4000. She is limping on both legs; has difficulty squatting to pee and is, obviously, in pain. She is on Adequan and Carprofen for the pain.

Tia Willow does not like fireworks or thunder. She hides underneath my bed when these noises interfere with her calm existence. I lay down on the floor, by the bed, to comfort her. After all, when I get scared or sad, she is always around to comfort me. When I cry, she is always trying to lick my tears while wagging her tail to let me know: all is okay.