Leo is a 8-year-old Australian Shepherd in McClellandtown, PA, who needs $2,000 for Internal Obturator Muscle Flap Technique.

Leo is the son of our previous dog Star, so we've had him in our lives since he was just a puppy. He currently lives with my dad in a small ranch house where they keep each other company.

Leo and my dad are best friends. My dad isn't very social, so he relies on Leo to be there for him, the same way Leo relies on my dad. He's definitely a lap dog, even though he doesn't realize how big he is.

Leo's mother was very intelligent, and he definitely gets that from her. His brains, mannerisms and gentleness are what makes him so special to us. He likes to chase his tail, but only when we're not giving him enough attention and he wants us to notice him. He also carries around a toy mouse that used to be our cats before he passed. He's very gentle with it and takes it everywhere.

Leo recently began to have problems with hair loss on his back end. We also noticed areas where the hair loss occurred looked swollen. We took him to the vet where he got x-rayed, and they told us that he had a perineal hernia a would likely require surgery at some point to correct it. This diagnosis isn't immediately life threatening in his case, but could be in time.

My father is a senior and lives on a fixed income. The cost from the surgery will be hard for him to cover by himself. I am currently unemployed, but still willing to help financially. We could use some help though to get Leo back to health.