Chewie is a 5 Year Old Shih Tzu in Las Cruces, NM, Who Needs $1,200 for Chemotherapy.

We adopted Chewie when he was 6 weeks old and he's given us so much love for 5 years. He's an incredibly loyal, friendly and goofy dog. He loves treats and playing with his sister Coco. He enjoys walks, belly rubs, and visiting family. He's had previous health battles that include correction for cherry eye and management of allergies, but has always persevered with a happy and loving attitude.

In August, Chewie began exhibiting unusual behaviors including restlessness and difficulty eating. After multiple visits and tests done at our local vet, nothing could be found. We decided to take him to a neurologist in El Paso where he was diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis. He has 2 lesions on his brainstem that require lifelong chemotherapy, steroids and anticonvulsants to prevent relapse.

Chewie is our first baby together and is truly a member of our family. He is incredibly smart, loyal, and loving. He always sticks by our side, loves to cuddle and is super affectionate. He loves to give Coco kisses by cleaning her face. He is unlike any dog I've had, and seeing him not his usual self since this started has been extremely heartbreaking. He's "our boy" that we just love so much.

It's been an incredibly difficult journey to determine Chewie's diagnosis, and even harder once he got diagnosed. The multiple visits/tests done prior have piled up, and now more so with his ongoing treatment. Anything that could help us, we are so grateful. He is so loved.