Nigel is a 9-year-old Beagle / Boxer in Suisun City, CA, who needs $2,000 for soft tissue surgery.

Nigel is the first dog I ever had and soon became the love of my life. He was an 8 month old puppy when I adopted him. I had no idea how to take care of a pet and he was learning how to be the best dog ever. We have been together every day since Dec. 2012 as each other's constant companion. His favorite things in the world are treats and going for walks and rides in the car.

Nigel loves to be wherever I am which means taking over the sofa or my bed despite the fact that he has several of his own. He gets excited going to home improvement and pet stores. Nigel's Beagle side comes out on walks as he can smell everything. New smells are the best. He loves to be hugged and snuggle.

Even with working two jobs, I do not have the money needed for the surgery. Nigel's quality of life is not the same because his mobility is very limited. He can no longer sleep upstairs with me as he always has, so I started sleeping downstairs with him.

Very recently, Nigel started limping. I took him to his regular vet who prescribed some medication to see if that would help. About a month later, I went back to the vet because it was still happening and had gotten worse. The vet took x-rays and determined he has a torn Cruciate Ligament that needs surgery to be repaired.

Nigel has a myriad of looks which actually make me think he understands what I say to him. He can move his eyebrows like "The Rock" and give you the sweetest smile. He likes to play fetch, but after all these years still hasn't figure out that he has to bring the ball back to me. If he doesn't want me to go, he will sit on my feet until I give him a little more time.