Festus is a three-month-old Golden Retriever in Dallas, TX, who needs $1,430 for emergency leg surgery.

Denise F. came to the rescue of an adorable but unwanted Christmas puppy.

"This precious angel was given to a sweet young couple for a Christmas gift," Denise tells Waggle. "As goes with so many puppies, they were not ready or capable of taking care of him. They lived in a small apartment with no yard. Both worked full time and just didn't have time to care for any type of animal, much less a puppy."

So when Denise heard Festus was in need, she instantly fell in love with his sweet face and dark brown kind eyes.

"I am single, have two pups of my own, but just couldn't pass up taking this little guy in," she says. "I had him for about two weeks. He was playing with my Dachshund on their doggie bed and flipped over. I'm not exactly sure how it happened, but my vet simply said, 'It was just one of those freak accidents.' He broke his femur in his right hind leg. I'm devastated."

Festus needs urgent surgery to fix his leg. The estimate at a specialty hospital for his surgery is $4500.

"I will do anything and everything I have to do to get him healthy," Denise says. "I just don't make that kind of money, and it is putting a huge strain on me financially. I asked (the hospital) if there was any assistance and I was told, 'Yes, but I would have to give him up.' 'No. No. No,'" was Denise's response.

Festus has already become part of Denise's pack. "My pups are my family, and I would do anything for them," Denise says. "Festus is the typical Golden Retriever puppy. I'm constantly laughing. He is just one big goofball. I would give my life for my pups. I love this little guy with all my heart and want what's best for him. I am incredibly humbled by any assistance possible."

Please help Festus get back on his feet again!