Buddy is a 19-year-old Dachshund in Montgomery, PA, who needs $1,449 for urgent dental surgery.

Buddy's story is one of heartbreak, grace, and kindness. The 19-year-old dog's family lost their home, and the homeless shelter where they are staying does not accept animals. So Buddy's owners desperately searched for a lifeline and thankfully found Gwen U., who agreed to take in the senior Dachshund.

"Buddy's family worked tirelessly to find a foster home for him," Gwen tells Waggle. "Surrendering Buddy to a shelter was not an option; this family's drive is what prompted us to agree to foster Buddy. Pets are family, and family sticks together."

But immediately after picking up Buddy, Gwen became worried about his health. "When I met Buddy, he was trembling; this dog literally broke my heart," she says. "I could tell he was an older guy based on his gray muzzle. When I learned this little dachshund was 19 years old, my heart sunk even more. On the drive home, I detected what I refer to as death breath and suspected Buddy was in kidney failure, or if he was lucky, just needed a dental. At any rate, Buddy needed vet care."

Gwen scheduled an appointment for Buddy with Dr. Pardoe at Loyalsock Animal Hospital. The medical team discovered Buddy had terrible teeth, some even had pockets of pus in the gums, an ear infection, and his anal glands were extremely full. However, Buddy's bloodwork looked pretty good for a dog his age, and he was sent home with antibiotics to help his mouth feel more comfortable until he can receive dental surgery.

Buddy's teeth treatments are pricey, but his outlook after the procedure is good. Gwen says he is an amazing dog. "Buddy is extremely awesome and what I refer to as a velcro dog. You can tell he has been well-loved. It's difficult believing Buddy is 19. He runs and plays like a much younger dog. Buddy and my family's 128 pound Doberman became fast friends, and our cats think Buddy is just another one of the feline species."

Please help Buddy get the surgery he needs for a happy and healthy future!