My name is Zuko!! I am a handsome full bred German Shepherd. I like long games of hide and seek at the dog park, playing catch with mom, swimming and hanging out with all of my doggie friends. Oh, and I look damn good in a bowtie. But this is no doggie singles ad and although I'd love a pretty little boyfriend or girlfriend (I'm open to love) I have bigger things in my dog bowl to worry about.

    I'm here to say that i haven't been feeling well for the last 4 months. I'm a young lad (3 human years next month) with unlimited energy and a love for my tennis ball, but as of late that has changed and breathing is becoming harder and harder. My wonderful and selfless mom, Lindsay took me to the vet recently when she noticed a mass underneath my fuzzy left armpit. This is when I was sadly diagnosed with Pythiosis, an uncommon yet aggressive fungal infection in dogs, even handsome ones as myself, caused by aquatic mold. Take a look > Info on Pythiosis

     

    Clearly swimming in lakes is more costly than one would think. I can't tell you figures because I don't know how to count because i'm a dog but my mom looks worried. Very worried since she found out that on top of all this I also have developed Pneumonia. To make a long story short I had surgery and finished my immunotherapy injections $$ and now they're tossing words like x-rays, ultrasounds, more surgery and antibiotics around like mom tosses my chuck-it.

    My mom loves me dearly and has done everything in her power, like any mom would to ensure I'm getting the best possible treatment around, but it isn't cheap. Although I'm damn cute, cute doesn't pay the medical bills and the costs are racking up. This is were I am asking for each of you to lend a helping paw, no matter how big, no matter how small. I appreciate it all!!! Please help my mom help me so we can play again.

 Yours truly, ZUKO