Goosie is an 11-year-old Jack Russell Terrier Mix in Las Vegas, NV, who needs $1,200 for Perineal Hernia Repair.

Goosie has been a member of our family for 5 years, after my son and I rescued him. Before his current health problems, he was always a happy, kind of silly, dog; and still is most of the time. But, because of his hernia, it is getting hard for him to walk and go to the bathroom. And it breaks my heart that I can't make it easier for him, at least not without help.

When we rescued Goosie, it became apparent he hadn't had an easy life. He was reclusive and always worried he was going to get kicked or stepped on. All that has changed for him. He now has a loving home. And as of a year ago, he also has a little furry friend. He is so grateful to have found us, and he makes sure to tell us that every day. He smiles the cutest puppy dog smile whenever he sees me.

Goosie loves that he found a home where he is loved and feels safe, and he doesn't want to lose it. So when I am sitting too close to a friend, he gets jealous and wiggles between us. He doesn't let other people take him for walks, out of fear he is being given away. And whenever I have someone watch him, he makes sure to tell me how mean they were to him, and how horrible it was, when I return.

Goosie has a Perineal Hernia. It is a condition, most common in terriers like himself, where the muscles in his rear, that hold the intestine in place, atrophy. The condition has made it hard for him to poop, and painful to walk. During the consult with Suzanne Hunter at LVVSC here in Las Vegas, she explained to me the risk of a prolapse, and worse, without the surgery to repair the hernia.

Everyone experienced loss due to COVID. Mine was the loss of being near my son during the quarantine. The quarantine was lifted, but my son has still been kept from me. So I am in a legal battle for custody of my son. But I now must choose between my son or our furry family.