L'il Max is a 14 year old Chihuahua in VISTA, CA, who needs $2,000 for Diagnosis and Treatment.

The L'il Max was an unexpected gift. As an IHSS caretaker I lived with and took care of a handicapped woman for 2 & 1/2 years Max was her dog. Being handicapped did not allow her to exercise Max, so I took him out each day to play. She passed away in August. I then accepted to care for Max permanently.

Max's owner told me she rescued him from a situation of abuse. He was kicked in the jaw & windpipe, leaving him with a respiratory issue . When I met him he would have a hoarse cough when he became excited. He was frisky and full f energy, otherwise. and a really happy boy.

Max was traumatized by the death of his owner. She fell down in front of him, and he watched as 4 EMR workers came and took her away. She never came home again...He lost his mom, his home, community and pals, all at the same time. When I took his bed out to place in the car, he trembled uncontrollably. I told him I would never leave him, and have been with him ever since.

I am a dedicated dog owner. A dog is for life. I accepted to take Max after a conversation with the family in which I was told that - "they would care all of Max's expenses for life". With the death of his mom, I lost my job, income and home simultaneously.