Oscar Blue is a 2-year-old Lab/Pit Mix in Pinellas Park, FL, who needs $1,500 for Surgery for Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy.

I had gone petless after my last dog was killed by a hit & run driver. My Granddaughter's little Pit was "tagged" by her neighbor's Chocolate Lab. She only had 2 pups & I fell in love with Blu as soon as I saw him. My Granddaughter couldn't keep him with a baby on the way. Blu came home with me when he was 8 weeks old & has been my constant companion.

Blu is never far from me. He sleeps under my bed. He's a big boy so I had to get risers so he would fit. He loved to play fetch, splashing in his pool & going for rides. Blu lays in the sun watching me garden. I think he likes our kitchen the best. I've noticed when my BP goes up he's right by my side. I know I'm safe with Blu by my side.

I'm retired and living on Social Security of about $800.00 a month & food stamps. After paying rent, car insurance & essentials, I'm pretty broke. Normal expenses I can handle. But thinking of Blu being in pain & can't play like he wants, hurts so much. I have to help him.

As Blu got older I noticed he was walking stiff legged. One day, when he couldn't get up, we took him to SPCA Tampa Bay Vet. Center. Dr. R. Schiess had X-rays done. They sent me to Clearwater Animal Referral & Emergency. Dr. R. Hurt diagnosed Blu with TPLO in both knees. Blu is on pain meds, fish oil, glucosamine & chondroitin until I can get the money for his surgery.

We don't get out much but he has made a couple of buddies on his walks. When we go to PetsMart he likes meeting new dogs. Blu likes to chase anything that is in the sky, birds, planes, fireworks, lighting. He likes to talk to the mail carrier, or anyone. HIs size scares people but he really is very friendly.