Alice is a 17-year-old Papillion Mix in Asheville , NC, who needs $1,200 for Dental Surgery.

Alice was a rescue with a foster mother when I first met her. She has been living in the back seat of a car with multiple dogs when her owner was arrested for DWI. He gave up dogs to police to avoid neglect and abuse charges She was taken to the County's 3 day kill shelter. She was rescued from there by a foster mother from ARF. She weighed 4lbs. when adopted. She weighs 12 ,13 years later.

I had 2 other dogs when I adopted her. She was in a very combative place with dogs and people at first Over time she had learned to like people again and finally to make friends with non-aggressive dogs. She very loving, She is the only one left now and will be my last dog as I am 70 and not the best of health. Would like to keep her as long as I can. She is in good health other than her teeth

She likes to dance when you brush her tail and will run around like a puppy as she used to. She throws her nose up to make a reverse head nod to ask for treats and petting. She also sleeps a lot these days as she does not feel so good and takes gabapentin for her tooth pain

My vet has assured me that surgically removing her bad teeth will allow her to live into her 20's. I want her to have that chance. She has lost almost a pound in the last month due to not eating well. I have been hunting for healthy soft foods and treats I go to Open Door Vet clinic in Asheville which is an effort to help people afford vet care for their pets. I see the the staff vet present.

I am a retired teacher with a pension and Social security who has had 1 COLA in the past 8 years. I have seen my income shrink as inflation has risen and work constantly to tighten my belt for ends meeting.