Maru is a 3 year old Dalmatian in Bradenton, FL, who needs $2,000 for Bladder Surgery.

My youngest son Dante was a "covid-19" highschooler. So, we got him an emotional support dog to help get him involved. This was AkaMaru that we found near Orlando and was raised on a farm. The moment he and my son met there was an instant connection that was undeniable. They were made to be best friends. The changes they both have endured together has brought out the best in both of them.

Maru was diagnosed with multiple bladder stones that have caused blockages. In November we took him to St. Peterburg to ER, and they performed a temporary procedure on him but said he would need the surgery. I could not save the money soon enough and he formed more stones; we took him to Desoto Animal Clinic who unblocked him again but said surgery is imminent now.

Maru is a joy to be around for our entire family especially the babies. He was a pup that did not bark, we did not notice because he was scared of the construction going on across the street when we brought him home. Well, he is a protector and boy does he bark now...lol but only at feelings of threat not passersbys or other furry friends. He is the glue that brings joy to our family.

Most of my financial hardship stems from Hurricane Milton. I could not recover and had to start over from scratch. The loss we have felt runs deeply and my son and I feel like Maru is a huge part of our story to keep trying and never give up. Maru is our heartbeat.