This Kind Woman Helped a Homeless Man Raise Money so His Dog Could Get Knee Surgery!

For most homeless people, there is only one priority: survival. That means only planning one meal ahead, it means standing on street corners and asking for a little help, and if they happen to have a dog, it means caring for that little one no matter what it takes.

Pat Quinn is a homeless man who performs music on the streets of Adelaide, Australia, and his companion dog, Rosie, badly needed surgery to fix her injured knee. Pat would, of course, do anything to ensure Rosie’s well-being but there was one problem: the surgery costs were soaring to $3,000. An impossible amount for Pat to cover on his own.

Thankfully, Laurel Lainio was out for a night with friends when she came across Pat and Rosie. She learned about the large cost of Rosie’s knee surgery and instead of walking away and carrying on with her night, Laurel decided to do something to help Pat. “When I saw Rosie last week, I just couldn’t handle the thought of her having to go without her surgery,” Laurel told Australia’s 7 News.

Laurel created a GoFundMe page to help raise money for Rosie’s surgery and $1,235 has already been raised! “Just like me, she has torn her anterior cruciate ligament and is in pain but Pat can’t afford to have it operated on,” Laurel wrote on the GoFundMePage. “He tried to get a loan and even went without food to have her looked at. But now, I’d love for you to help this man and his constant companion. Please give so that Rosie can walk comfortably again!”  

Rosie recently had surgery and it was a success! She is currently in recovery. In an update on the GoFundMe page, Laurel wrote, “The amazing Veronica Wah Day from Pets & Their People at Fulham Gardens did an amazing job! Hopefully, recovery won’t take too long and she’ll be chasing possums up trees in no time!” 

Thank you, Laurel, for having such a kind heart and stopping to help Rosie and Pat! Truly a testament to how one person can make a difference.

Laurel Lainio

Pat is grateful for all of the help, telling Australia’s 7 News, “I’m just blown away. I can’t believe it.” It’s amazing to see how strangers from all over the world came together to help with Rosie’s surgery costs!

Feeling motivated to help animals in your area? You too can make a difference in the lives of homeless animals just like Laurel simply by volunteering at your local animal shelter.

Organizations rely heavily on volunteers to assist with animal care and day-to-day operations. There’s never a shortage of things to do and opportunities are available for people of every skill set. You can help take dogs for walks, give them food and water, and make sure their area is clean. If your preference is helping out behind the scenes, you can volunteer your services by assisting with fundraisers, outreach events or general office tasks. And please, always adopt and never shop!

Image source: Laurel Lainio/GoFundMe