Frankie

About the Campaign

Frankie is a 6-year-old male Shepherd/Lab mix who needs TPLO surgery on his right knee to repair a torn CCL and restore stability. His veterinarian says the surgery is absolutely necessary for the right leg. Frankie’s left knee may also be injured, but for now the plan is to focus on the right and re-evaluate the left while Frankie is under anesthesia, so the vet can confirm whether it needs surgery or can be managed without it.

Kelsey first realized something was truly wrong at the end of March. Frankie had been limping off and on for months, but it suddenly escalated and he reached a point where he couldn’t even walk upstairs to go to bed (see video above). That’s when they knew this wasn’t a minor sprain. Now Frankie’s world has shrunk: less walking, no running, and constant guarding of his leg to avoid pain.

Frankie’s shelter photo:

Frankie has been part of Kelsey and Jake’s family since 2019. Jake fell in love with Frankie’s shelter photo, and the family adopted him when he was just a puppy, about two months old. Frankie had been found as a stray on the side of the road, and bringing him home meant the kids would finally have the dog they’d been asking for. Frankie became their family companion: gentle, loyal, and happiest outside with his people.

Husband Jake and Frankie:

The heartbreak is that things had finally lined up for Frankie to enjoy the life he loves. The family put in a fence so he could safely run and play, and they even adopted a younger dog from the same shelter—Moira, now about one year old—so Frankie would have a buddy. And now, just when everything was set up for more playtime and more freedom, Frankie can’t run at all.

Frankie and Willow five years ago when Willow was sick:

Willow and Frankie today:

Kelsey and Jake are doing everything they can, but they’re tapped out. They’ve already spent over $1,500 on appointments, diagnosis, and early treatment, using most of their CareCredit and their savings. They’re a family of seven with five kids (ages 3 to 13). Kelsey homeschools and also teaches at a co-op, and Jake is a local truck driver. Like many big families right now, there’s simply no extra money at the end of the month, and a major orthopedic surgery isn’t something they can “budget harder” for in time.

Donations will help cover Frankie’s TPLO surgery and related veterinary care so he can get back on his feet, relieve his pain, and return to being the active dog his family knows and loves. All donations are paid only to the veterinarian. Estimate below, click to enlarge: