Merci is a 12-year-old Chihuahua in Reston, VA, who needs $1,200 for dental surgery.

I adopted Merci from a shelter organization 10 years ago when I lost my beloved Chihuahua Sara. Merci looks very similar to Sara. I immediately fell in love with her. I named her Merci because she had mercy on my to enter my life and heal the huge pain in my heart. She lives with me. I live alone and am a low-income senior with no other pets.

Merci stays close to me throughout the day. We do everything together. She is extremely obedient and understands what I say to her. I cook her human food meals twice a day. I am knowledgeable about nutrition and she eats what I eat (fish, chicken, vegetables, legumes). She is happy as long as she is with me. This is all she asks for.

My only income is a small social security monthly check that is insufficient to cover my rent and utilities. I have no ability to pay for Merci’s dental surgery. I cannot lose Merci. She is my everything.

Merci has a serious multi-tooth abscess that is draining fluid and creating a large black area on the left side of her face under her eye. The infection is spreading. It could enter her bloodstream at any time and damage her kidneys, liver, and other organs. Dr. Jenifer Farrell at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital will treat her. Merci’s condition is urgent and requires immediate treatment.

Merci has an irresistible and feisty personality. We play every day and do yoga together. She has no clue she is a small 5-lb. dog. During our daily walks she barks ferociously at other dogs to protect me. She is very shy around other people and is definitely a one-person dog. She is special because she is the light of my life.