Sixto's amputation surgery

I want to express my tremendous gratitude to you all. The fundraiser was a wild success. We exceeded our goal in just five days thanks to your generosity. I am amazed and in awe of this whole process, from the individual contributions, to the power of the internet in galvanizing our social network, to Sixto himself who is walking around almost as if nothing has happened. Sixto is doing great. His suture is healing fine. The remaining stitches (he chewed three out on his own) come out on Friday. The folks down at Arcata Animal Hospital did a skillful job and gave Six lots of love. We are so grateful. Thank you so much and Happy Holidays.

Love,


Mark and Sixto

Hi, my name is Mark Allee and I am reaching out to you for financial assistance with surgery for my dog Sixto. Please take a look at our website, check out the photos of Sixto and make a small donation if you can.



Sixto is a 3 year old Australian Shepard lab cross who was born on a ranch in Corning, CA. We have been traveling around together since he was eight weeks old. He is a tough, energetic and affectionate canine companion who has had it rough. When he was only six months old he was hit by a car in Portland, OR and his knee was shattered. The accident was very traumatic for both of us but he recovered like a champ with a fused knee. Sixto learned to get around famously on his straight leg jumping in and out of the truck, running, swimming and chasing cats just like a normal dog.



However, his inability to bend his knee made it somewhat vulnerable as we discovered when he tore his lower ligament that allowed his ankle and paw to bend while playing in the backyard. After six weeks in an uncomfortable splint he still couldn’t put weight on the leg and the conclusion was undeniably the need for surgical amputation. The procedure took place on Friday the 7th of December and was successful. He is still in the early critical healing phase but everything looks good. He is already moving around on his own three legs. The surgery was expensive, not to mention painful and frightening for Sixto.



I am a Youthserve Americorps member and I volunteer over forty hours a week as an academic mentor with at risk youth at Pacific Coast Continuation High School. I also work as a lifeguard some evenings at the local community pool to try and make ends meet. Of my monthly volunteer stipend I take home only about $950 a month. Even just a small donation will help Sixto and I out tremendously. Thank you so much for your generosity.




There are more pictures of Sixto available at this page (warning: includes slightly graphic post-amputation photos). Thanks to my friend Josh of Chapter Three who helped in setting up this page.