08/06/2026
I’m organizing this fundraiser for my good friend, Justin Snyder, and his dog, Ace, here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Justin doesn’t have any kids—Ace is truly like his son. Justin has raised Ace since he was a tiny pup, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.
Ace is a 4‑year‑old black lab with a really gentle soul; he’s honestly one of the nicest dogs you’ll ever meet. Justin is an avid disc golfer, and Ace used to go with him everywhere—out on the disc golf course, in the car, and around town. Lately, though, that’s changed. Most of the time Ace just lies in Justin’s bed and doesn’t come out of the bedroom much anymore, except to go outside to potty. It’s clear he doesn’t feel like himself.
Recently, Ace was diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia in both hips and a torn ACL (cranial cruciate ligament) in one of his legs. Ace can still walk, but he limps, and certain movements are clearly uncomfortable for him, especially when he’s getting up or after he’s been active. Without proper treatment, the vets have explained that his pain and mobility are likely to get worse over time.
Right now, the vet has Ace on pain and anti‑inflammatory medications to keep him as comfortable as possible. The medicine helps him move around and feel better in the short term, but it doesn’t fix the underlying problem. To give Ace a real chance at a normal, pain‑free life, the vet has recommended surgery on both hips and a separate surgery to repair his torn ACL.
The hardest part is that the cost of Ace’s care is far beyond what Justin can afford on his own. The vets have estimated about $10,000 per hip (around $20,000 total) plus about $5,000 for the ACL surgery, not including extra tests, medications, and follow‑up visits. In total, we are asking for $25,000 to help cover Ace’s surgeries and related medical expenses.
We plan to use the funds in this order:
1. Pay for Ace’s hip surgeries and ACL repair
2. Cover his post‑surgery medications, rehab, and follow‑up vet visits
3. Any remaining funds will be used only for Ace’s ongoing medical care and mobility needs
Justin works hard to take care of Ace and give him a good life, but these vet bills are far more than he can manage on his own. It’s heartbreaking to see such a loving, gentle dog go from always being by Justin’s side to mostly staying in bed because moving around hurts.
If you’re able to help in any way, we would be incredibly grateful. No amount is too small—even $5 or $10 helps get Ace closer to the surgeries and care he needs. If you can’t donate, you can still make a big difference by sharing this fundraiser with others who love animals and understand how important they are to us.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read Ace’s story and for any support you can offer—whether that’s a donation, a share, or just keeping Ace and Justin in your thoughts. Your kindness can help give this sweet dog a chance to get back on his feet and feel like himself again.
Justin’s dog Ace is a 4-year-old black lab who has been by Justin’s side since he was a tin… He Lives needs your support for Help Ace Get the Surgery He Needs
