Meet Misha.

The 3-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix is a typical young dog who loves to explore new surroundings, meet new people, and play in the grass. However, every step she takes is painful.

She is missing digits (paws) on both of her hind legs. She was surrendered to Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SQSPCA) in Otsego County, NY, by her owner who could not provide the medical care and attention she needs.

Photo: Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Misha is a tough dog who will walk in a handstand on rough surfaces to take the pressure off her hind legs. She pushes through the pain and doesn't let it deter her from engaging with staff and volunteers.

SQSPCA shared, "She is non-weight bearing on the left rear limb. She uses the right rear limb but favors it by shifting weight forward during ambulation producing an abnormal hopping gait. Occasionally, she will shift all of her weight to her front limbs, especially on rough surfaces, and walk in a “handstand” like stance. Unfortunately, this applies greater pressure on the terminal end of the rear right limb when it strikes the ground at the end of each cycle, as well as more pressure on her forelimbs. Without correction, this type of ambulation will cause greater damage and pain potentially rendering her unable to walk in the future."

She is considered a special needs dog due to her mobility issue, but there is a solution - prosthetics. Misha is a great candidate for them, and they would allow her to finally walk and play without pain.

"The prognosis is good for full engagement in an active lifestyle with prosthetics enabling stability, freedom of movement, and relief of pain and compensatory issues resulting from the current uneven gait she endures and lack of cushioning and control that paws provide. Given Misha's young age and eagerness to join in the activities of others around her, it is anticipated her recovery/adjustment period will be minimal once prosthetics are fitted and she is given time to explore different spaces safely with supervision."

Photo: Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

The prosthetics are costly, so the shelter reached out to Greater Good Charities' Emergency Animal Medical Fund for help. The fund was started to provide grants to animal shelters and rescues to cover the costs of emergency surgery and medical care.

The shelter knows improving her mobility will also improve her chances at finding a forever home. Misha steals the heart of everyone she meets with her curious and outgoing personality and just needs your help to get back on her feet again.

Photo: Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Help us meet our goal of $2,100 to help Misha walk without pain. Your support will not only give Misha the hope to keep fighting, but your donations will help cover the prosthetics and ongoing care she will need.