Max is a 1 year old Great Dane in Desloge, MO, who needs $2,000 for Exploratory Laparotomy, Hernia Reduction.

I work as a healthcare aide- one of my patients found Mac on the side of the road and gave him to me. When i first got him he was so thin, I had to feed him high calorie food. He is still under weight but much better that he was. He is easily frightened and it took him a while to feel comfortable around my kids (3)- but they are all great friends now. I've had him for 2 months.

Mac did not want to stand/walk/eat this morning. He acted like he was in pain. I had to carry him to the vet. He has a hernia that is taking up his entire abdomen, pushing all his abdominal organs into his chest cavity making it hard for him to breathe and causing a lot of pain. Vet said he needs surgery within the next couple of days or he will probably die. Surgery is est at $6000-$8000.

Mac had a hard start in life. He is just now knowing what it feels like to be loved. He is playful, gentle and affectionate. When it's time for the kids to get home, he's watching out the window and wagging his tail. He has to always be touching someone, probably because he wasn't shown much affection in the beginning of his life- but we are making up for it.

I am a divorced mother of 3 children.I make $14/hour and could never afford the cost of the surgery. My mom did purchase pet insurance for Mac, but it won't cover this because the waiting period is not up. It would mean the world to our family if Mac could get the surgery.