Ivan is a 2-year-old Xoloitzquintli/Chihuahua mix in Austin, TX, who needs $2,000 for Knee Surgery.

Ivan is a Xoloitzquintli-Chihuahua mix who was rescued from an abusive family of hoarders along with other dogs. The rescue agency shared with us that the dogs taken had been hit on the head with a stick as a form of discipline. Now, Ivan lives with a loving family of five: me, my husband and our three children -- 16, 11 and 7.

Ivan loves cuddling on the couch, playing fetch and going for walks. He follows me everywhere I go and curls up at my feet if I'm working at my computer or eating dinner. I take him for walks in our neighborhood every day. The kids like to see him run circles in the backyard. He's so fast he looks like a mini greyhound at a track.

I had to take a leave from my job because of the lack of childcare due to COVID and other pressing family issues. We simply cannot afford this surgery. We don't have the money.

Due to the malnutrition , Ivan has the skeleton of a puppy. His bones never fused properly. Since we got him in March, he has injured each knee just doing normal things: jumping off a porch and jumping off a couch. Dr. Rob Calabrese at Firehouse Animal Care Center has diagnosed his right knee with a torn miniscus, a partially torn ACL and a grade 3 luxating patella that needs repair.

Ivan is a real cutie. He likes to burrow under blankets and sleep at your feet. He peeks out every now and then, melting our hearts. He is always happy to see us, tail wagging. He is also very smart and learns quickly. He is super curious. Taking him for a walk is always an adventure. He doesn't fight a bath or nail-trimming. He cuddles just like a tired toddler!