At Just One Year Old, Zyla Needs Double Hip Surgery
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Final update · October 15, 2026
Zyla’s Journey Takes a Positive Turn ❤️🐾
We have wonderful news to share about Zyla! After receiving a second orthopedic opinion, this sweet puppy has a new path forward that is allowing her to remain happy, playful, and comfortable.
Zyla received a comprehensive evaluation from Dr. Dismukes, an orthopedic specialist in Birmingham, after Summit’s Sanctuary sought another opinion regarding her severe bilateral hip dysplasia. Based on his evaluation, Dr. Dismukes recommends taking a conservative approach for now rather than moving forward with the hip surgery that had previously been the plan for Zyla.
Zyla is now being treated much like a dog with severe arthritis. Her care plan includes joint-support supplements, including Cosequin-type supplements and Movoflex, along with continued veterinary monitoring. Our goal is to keep her comfortable and active while delaying surgery for as long as possible. Surgery may still become necessary as she gets older, but for now, her veterinary team believes postponing it is in her best interest.
The best news is that Zyla is responding wonderfully to her new treatment plan! She continues to be a happy, playful puppy, and we are very encouraged by her progress.
There is even more reason to be hopeful. Zyla may have an opportunity to move to a foster-based rescue in Maine, which could open the door to another chapter for this sweet girl. While the move is still a possibility, we at Summit's Sanctuary are so happy that she is doing well and that there may be new opportunities ahead for her.
To everyone who donated to Zyla’s campaign, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your generosity showed just how many people were rooting for this puppy and wanted to give her a chance at a happy life. We know you supported Zyla because you cared about her future, and we are so grateful you stood behind her.
The veterinary evaluations, X-rays, and specialist consultation have been important in helping us determine the best path forward for Zyla. Rather than rushing into a major procedure, we can now focus on managing her condition and preserving her quality of life for as long as possible.
Zyla’s journey is not over, and her condition will continue to require life-long monitoring and care. But for now, she is happy, playful, and responding well to treatment. With the possibility of a new foster-based rescue on the horizon, there is plenty of reason to feel hopeful about what comes next.
Thank you for caring about Zyla, supporting her journey, and helping give her the opportunity to keep growing and enjoying life. Your kindness means so much to us. ❤️
About this campaign
Zyla should be spending her days running, playing, and enjoying all the joys of puppyhood.
Instead, this sweet girl is facing a painful battle with severe genetic hip dysplasia.
Every step is a struggle. Walking, running, playing, and even resting comfortably have become increasingly difficult as her condition progresses. While most one year old puppies are discovering the world around them, Zyla is living with chronic pain that will only worsen without surgical intervention.
Heartbreakingly, Zyla's sister, Zora, also suffered from severe hip dysplasia. Now Zyla is facing the same difficult journey.
After evaluating her condition, veterinarians confirmed that Zyla urgently needs double hip surgery to give her the opportunity for a normal, active, pain-free life. Without treatment, her mobility and quality of life will continue to decline.
Despite everything she is facing, Zyla remains full of love, trust, and joy. She greets each day with a wagging tail and a spirit that refuses to be defined by her pain.
The cost of the surgery and associated medical care is a significant expense for Summit's Sanctuary, a volunteer-driven rescue dedicated to helping animals in need.
This fundraiser will help cover Zyla's surgery, medications, and recovery care so she can heal properly and finally experience the carefree life every puppy deserves.
Your donation directly supports the medical treatment that can change the course of Zyla's future. Every gift, no matter the size, brings her one step closer to running, playing, and growing up without constant pain.
Thank you for helping Summit's Sanctuary give this brave young dog the chance at a healthier, happier future.
7/15/26 Update: An Update on Sweet Zyla: Hope for Her Future
Despite everything she is facing, Zyla continues to greet each day with the joyful spirit everyone loves about her. She still enjoys playing, exploring, and soaking up all the love around her, reminding everyone just how resilient she is.
As part of her ongoing care, Zyla will undergo an additional evaluation with Summit Sanctuary's trusted veterinarian, who works directly with the orthopedic surgeon that has previously treated other dogs from the rescue. This additional consultation is made possible by the generous support Zyla has received and will help ensure the best treatment plan is in place while providing further guidance on the next steps in her care.
The goal has always been to give Zyla the opportunity to enjoy a long, happy life without relying on daily pain medication. Every decision being made is focused on giving her the healthiest, happiest future possible.
As Zyla's journey continues, her sister Zora has recovered beautifully after completing both of her hip surgeries. Seeing Zora's progress continues to bring hope for what lies ahead for Zyla.
Thank you for continuing to stand beside Zyla and Summit's Sanctuary. Your generosity is helping ensure she receives the evaluations, treatment, and ongoing care needed to give her the brightest future possible.
Another update will be shared following Zyla's orthopedic consultation.
- Location
- Centre, AL • Summit’s Sanctuary
- Species:
- Dog
- Breed:
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Age:
- 1 years old
- Sex:
- Female