We have a 55 pound, 11-year-old, female Irish Setter (Field Setter) with a torn right ACL. At any other time in our lives, we would have no problem dealing with the cost. My husband was laid off nine months ago and the $2,600 to $2,800 we were quoted for the TPLO procedure is scary. I have contacted the vet college at Virginia Tech to see if they might be helpful, but they may not be using TPLO. We love our dog and putting her down is the last thing we want, but if we can't afford to treat her, we can’t leave her limping forever either.

Are there any organizations that help people in our situation? I asked my husband what he thought he could contribute to the dog's treatment and it was about one-sixth of the total.

Terra is our family pet, not a hunting dog. My son has even offered to help pay for part of the surgical bill because he knows how concerned we are about family finances right now. We lost our elderly cat, who died at the age of 20, in October, but not before making every effort possible. There is less money now, but unlike the cat, Terra is in great health. She was in for her annual vaccinations when I asked the vet to look at her leg.

I can't believe this is happening now...the timing is so bad. Do you have any ideas?