Soleil

About the Campaign

Active Dog Stuck at Home.

Soleil is a 6-year-old Boxer/Great Dane mix who has torn the CCL in his right knee after slipping on snow during a hike. He pushed through the rest of the trek, but now he’s struggling just to get around the house. The veterinarian has recommended Modified Maquet Procedure (MMP) surgery to stabilize his knee and relieve his pain—because a torn CCL doesn’t heal properly on its own, and every day without repair makes it harder for him to move comfortably.

This isn’t Sara’s first time facing a knee injury with Soleil. About a year ago, Soleil needed TPLO surgery on his left leg, and the vet warned that the right side might eventually tear too. Sara did what responsible owners do—she started saving. She had about $2,500 set aside. Then life blindsided her.

Sara’s other dog, Luna, became seriously ill. At first, Sara feared a fungal infection—but it turned out to be oral melanoma that had already spread to Luna’s lymph nodes by the time it was caught. The cancer was not operable, and Sara poured the money she’d saved into Luna’s care, trying to give her comfort and a chance. Now, with Soleil suddenly injured, that “surgery fund” is gone, spent doing what anyone would do for a beloved dog in a crisis.

Sara adopted Soleil as an 8-week-old puppy from an Ohio shelter for a $75 fee: a big-headed, affectionate pup! The moment she met him, he tugged at her heart—and he’s been her constant ever since. Sara and Soleil are incredibly active together, often hiking 7–12 miles a day. Now, that big, athletic dog who lives for movement is stuck trying to shuffle around the house.

Sara also lives with significant health challenges of her own, including a connective tissue disorder (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome) and complications that affect multiple joints, along with a heart murmur—so when Soleil can’t move, it impacts both of them daily.

Donations will help cover Soleil’s MMP surgery, follow-up care, and the medical support needed to get him stable, healed, and back on his feet. All donations are paid only to the veterinarian. Estimate is below, click to enlarge: