Earlier this morning, Ryan Seacrest used his celebrity for good by stepping in to help a young girl pay for her four-legged friend’s surgery. Sure to make waves across breaking celebrity news headlines, the 102.7 KIIS FM radio host pledged to cover Romeo’s expenses so his owner, Mercedes, could move forward with his surgery.
During his show, On Air with Ryan Seacrest, the former American Idol host spoke with the young dog owner about her pup’s ruptured ligament and how it was preventing him from living a full, happy life.
During the interview, listeners could hear Mercedes’ emotions as she talked about Romeo’s GoFundMe page, which she created to help pay for his much-needed surgery.
When Ryan saw the photo of Romeo in his bowtie and glasses, he immediately offered to pay for the $8K surgery himself.
“I’ll pay for the surgery. Not KIIS – me,” Seacrest said.
Mercedes posted an update on the GoFundMe page letting all of Romeo’s supporters know that he is moving forward with surgery thanks to donations from Ryan and the people on the crowdfunding site.
“Okay everyone, so as you all know, Romeo is going to have his surgery,” she wrote.
“Thank you to everyone who donated and shared. Ryan Seacrest has generously offered to pay the remaining balance of Romeo’s surgery. Many of you have followed Romeo and my journey since he was only a few weeks old. We have all watched him grow and many have just fell in love with him, some who have yet to meet Romeo. I am so thrilled that so many people care for him. I was shocked to see how successful this campaign was and how quickly it spread. I could not have done this without any of you! His recovery is going to be very long according to his vet. It may take up to 7 or 8 months to heal completely. After he has recovered his vet said he can continue to do what he loves which is going to the dog beach and other public places to get attention. I will keep you all updated when I find out more information.”
Amanda Johnson, a supporter on the page, shared her excitement about the news and wrote, “I listened to Kiis this morning and was crying like a baby right there with everyone else. I have a mastiff and know the struggles with their hind legs and hips. Very happy to hear he is getting the surgery.”
We’re so happy Romeo has a chance for full recovery thanks to donations from Ryan and other people doing good!
Read Romeo’s full story below:
Hello everyone, thank you for looking at this page. If you know Romeo, you know that he is lovable, gentle and a big goof ball. You also know that I never stop talking about him and you know that he is my world. Romeo first came into my life in 2011. I knew I wanted to save a life and I did just that. Only it went both ways as he saved me too! For those of you who do not know Romeo, he is kind and gentle hearted. He has helped some people overcome their fears of dogs, made the page on a few local newspapers and volunteered at nursing homes. He loves going to the dog beach and dog parks where he meets new friends (both humans and other dogs). He also loves to go on walks and car rides. Romeo’s best friend is a cat named Bam Bam. They love to cuddle together. He also has 9 other friends, mostly other dogs and one yellow sided green cheek conure. Recently Romeo has had a lot of pain coming from both his hind legs. He began with a limp and walking sideways. I was extremely concerned but just hoped it would heal. I took him to the vet where he was to take some X-rays. I was hoping it was just a sprain from running. Only the X-Rays showed differently. Romeo ruptured his Cranial cruciate ligament in both legs. The X-rays showed that this was really bad and needed surgery very soon. I am not the type of person who ask for money, I am a giver so this really hurts to asks for help. But I also do not want my baby to continue to be in pain. So I am asking for your donation PLEASE!! Anything helps! I am also opening my instagram up to the public please feel free to look. My instagram page is mr.romeo_mylovebug. You will see just how great Romeo is.