The mighty Faust needs leg surgery to continue his mighty reign!

Just look at Faust. Stare into his amber eyes. Succumb to his mesmerizing gaze, and slather him in healing cash.

Okay, seriously. My wife and I have found ourselves in a very difficult situation with a dog we love very much, and we are asking for your help. Name: Faust. Job description: The most rockingly awesome dog in the dog-verse.

We adopted our pure-bred German shepherd, Faust, from the pound in March 2008. He was eight months old. He has proven to be everything we hoped for: loving, playful, loyal and well-behaved. (Plus, he does an awesome Chewbacca impersonation when he gets excited.) A few preventative trips to the veterinarian assured us that he thankfully didn’t have any of the congenital conditions, such as hip dysplasia, that are common to his breed.

That was until last month, when he developed a severe limp in his left front leg. Extensive X-rays revealed that his current condition is, in fact, grave. He has an unfused piece of bone in his elbow that is causing him considerable pain, and the operation to remove this will cost about $2,000. This is his most urgent need.

Unfortunately, that was just the start of the bad news. X-rays of his hips revealed that he had also in the past few months developed advanced hip dysplasia. While Faust shows few outward signs of discomfort, the X-rays depict secondary arthritis already setting in. There are three surgery options to address this condition, and all three, also, cost about $2,000 each.

The price of these surgeries is beyond our limited means. Thus, we find ourselves faced with some heart-wrenching choices concerning Faust’s future. The most realistic option for us at this juncture is an aggressive program of pain management; however, the popular medications for canine joint pain have their own expenses and side effects. Beyond that, we shudder at the grim prospect of putting Faust to sleep.

Thus I’m turning to fellow animal-lovers for any help they can give. I’m also happy to supply further details about both my income situation and the cost estimates for these operations.

Finally, I’ll gladly offer my professional services in trade to any donors. I’m a longtime journalist who excels at ghostwriting, copy-editing and editorial consulting.

Thanks for you consideration.

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