Gary is a 5-year-old Black Mouth Cur in Baton Rouge, LA, who needs $600 for Advanced Heartworm.

It was a beautiful coincidence. I knew I wanted a second dog as a companion for my first rescue dog. I was immediately drawn to Gary- he was the type of dog who could just smile. Ready for love. After hearing how he had been adopted out two different times and returned each time because of living circumstances (roommates or elderly), I knew he was mine. And he has been my best friend ever since!

Gary is a mix of a Black Mouth Cur and pit. He can look intimidating at times, but he is all bark and no bite. And even better he doesn't even bark! He is playful and loves to cuddle. He gets along well with other dogs and even cats. But the best is that I have a 9 month old baby girl and he protects and adores her. He insists on sleeping by her. It is truly beautiful.

Gary is well trained. He loves fetching sticks, playing with toys, and eating bones or raw hides. But the cutest habit he has had since I got him is that he just loves to suckle on a fleece blanket- I do not mean tare, bite, or rip. He puts it in his mouth and just suckles, almost as if it is his safety/comfort blanket. He might do others for a moment, but fleece is his favorite! He has a few now!

Unfortunately I was away for almost 8 weeks. I left Gary with family friends until my return. He had been seen not long before my departure and all seemed well. I have just come to find that they took him to the vet and he was diagnosed with advanced heart worms. I obviously will be taking him back, but they are saying my options are $600 for treatment or euthanasia. He is only 5 years old!

My significant other passed away on Dec. 2nd who adored Gary also. So my life has drastically changed. I now have a 9 month old baby I'm raising by myself, but also our fur baby. I just got hired on a decent job, but I just don't have the means or funds to save him in time!