Lulu is a 17-year-old Chihuahua in Bradenton , FL, who needs $2,000 for urgent dental surgery.

Lulu is a lifeline for Jose R. After he rescued her 15 years ago, she soon became an amazing service dog. Jose suffers from seizures and PTSD from volunteering to help after the 9/11 terrorist attack. "The doctors declared Lulu my service animal," Jose tells Waggle. "On days when I'm depressed, she helps me get out of bed by barking at me."

Now Jose and Lulu need your help! "One day, Lulu's right eye was swollen," Jose says. "She developed a sudden infection. Then, a week later, the right one was swollen too. A bunch of goo would come out. We went to the vet and got eye drops to see if they would help. We didn't see any improvement, so we kept trying to figure it out."

Finally, with assistance from the Humane Society of Manatee County veterinary clinic, they learned some decaying teeth are the culprit. They're causing her gums and face to swell. She needs surgery to remove the teeth and clean the area out.

But Jose is having trouble paying for the operation. "I am on a fixed income because I am currently disabled," Jose says. "This was an emergency and very unexpected. I don't have emergency funds. I have no money for Christmas presents for my child."

Jose says the best gift he could ever ask for this holiday season is for help paying Lulu's medical bill. The tiny, spunky dog makes a difference in his life each day.