Patches is a 13-year-old Chihuahua in Clarksville, TN, who needs $1,000 for surgical tumor removal.

Patches is a 15 pound chihuahua that found herself in rescue after her elderly owners passed away. Being under socialized, fearful and not afraid to snap it was determined she needed a sanctuary home to live out the rest of her life in safety and peace. She came to me at 10 years old not knowing how to play with other dogs or enjoy cuddles with a person. That was three years ago.

Patches spends her days like any other senior, lazing around on soft cushy beds, snuggling under blankets and being served her favorite foods. She enjoys trying to get the other pups to play with her though she really doesn't know how to do that. She bounces on her front legs with her butt in the air, so darn cute you can't help but smile with her.

The surgery and lab to test the lump along with a dental cleaning which she badly needs is expensive. Around a thousand dollars. This little girl has been through a lot but is still her happy self, eating well and enjoying life. She deserves a chance to extend her life.

Patches has a couple of fatty lumps typical of a older dogs. Then one day I noticed a different kind of lump on her tummy. It is a fast growing tumor that in four months has gotten to the size of a golf ball. It is red and angry. Eastview veterinary clinic and Dr. Noel took a look and said it is most likely cancer. Won't know until it is removed which at 13 is a risk.

Patches took over a year to be comfortable with being petted. She is still head shy but if I start at her tail and work forward by the time I get to her head she is wagging her tail and leaning into my hands. Every night after her dinner she insists on washing my arms and if she can reach my legs. I think she is saying thank you for having patience with her and loving her quirky little self.