Violet was around 4 weeks old when she was found on the side of the road, in a box with two other puppies, deeply buried in the snow and -20c temperatures in Romania.

She was brought in to AMA Dog Rescue and nursed to health by Anna and those who help at the rescue.

Violet was originally adopted into the UK by someone who decided a puppy wasn't right for them shortly after. This is where we come in - we'd already fallen in love with her and were second in line to adopt her, so naturally we were ready when the call came to take our other dog, Hershey, to see if they'd get alone.

Long story short, she came home with us on the same day.

Hershey adored her from the second he saw her and they're inseparable still, 8 years later.

Since she was found, she always had a limp. A little hop, as we call it.

When she turned 4, we noticed she had some signs of pain and were referred to the Queen Mother Animal Hospital for scans. These came back with a diagnosis of a sub-luxating left knee. (I know this is painful as I have this too!).

As the years go on, Violet is now 8 years old and her limp has been semi-consistent, worsening with cold temperatures and dampness through winters. She's also been treated for arthritis, hip pain, spondylitis of the spine and bony growths in her back.

We're at a breaking point where she desperately needs scans again to get an idea of why she's in so much pain, which now cost an estimate of £1500.

She is also in need of blood work doing whilst she's under and potentially an operation on the other side of it that could be up to £5000-£7000.

Sadly this just isn't something I can afford and I can't apply for a credit card to cover it and pay it off because in January 2025 I lost my job of 3 years, and was out of work for 7 months. I had to live on credit cards once my life's savings ran out because I couldn't find a job quick enough.

I luckily found a job eventually but I no longer earn enough to afford to save up funds like I used to, plus have credit to pay off due to being out of work for so long with no income or savings.

It's heartbreaking and embarrassing to have to ask, but I need my girl to get the treatment she so desperately needs. If it wasn't for my dogs, those who know me would know, I wouldn't have pulled through my own health crisis'. They are my everything and reason for living.

Her insurance will not cover anything to do with her legs, due to it being a pre-existing and ongoing condition, so we are stuck.

And to note, I keep saying we, because this includes my Mum, who loves and looks after Violet too. She is disabled with chronic illnesses and unable to work, hence cannot help with this.

We're at a loss. All I can do is ask.

If I had the money, Violet could have her scans in the next 3 days (12 March 2026) and be on a waiting list for surgery if needed immediately after.