Matilda Provac is an eight-year-old Papillon mix in Providence, RI, who needs $2,000 for critical surgery.

When you look at her adorable face and the spark in her eyes, it is hard to believe sweet Matilda ended up in an animal shelter facing death. Rhode Home Rescue tells Waggle she has a substantial mammary gland tumor and the shelter was not going to pay for her surgery; Matilda was facing economic euthanasia. Waggle estimates more than a half-million pets are put down each year because their owners or animal shelters can't afford their care.

But luckily for Matilda, Rhode Home Rescue scooped her right up and saved her. She is now in a fantastic foster home, but her tumor is causing her a lot of pain and discomfort, female dogs who were never spayed are more likely to develop these kinds of tumors. The rescue wants to get her the surgery she needs to remove the mass and get her fixed.

Once she's healed up, she will be ready for adoption! "Matilda is the sweetest little girl. She loves her foster mom and is so grateful to be in a foster home. She loves snoozing in her cozy dog bed and being toted around on walks with her foster mom. She does great with other dogs and is very friendly and playful with everyone she meets," the rescue says.

Rhode Home Rescue is a non-profit organization that saves dogs suffering from neglect, abuse, medical and behavioral issues. They rely on donations to provide care to these animals.

"Matilda is special because even though her humans let her down, she does not hold that against anyone. She still loves everything life has to offer and doesn't know that she faced euthanasia at one point due to lack of funds," the rescue adds. "We want to make sure she will be able to live the rest of her life as carefree and happy as can be!"