Rocky Antonio is a 12-year-old Mini Schnauzer in Waterbury , undefined, who needs $2,000 for Splenectomy.

I came across Rocky on an adoption website shortly after my father passed. I knew my mother needed someone to keep her company. After lots of waiting, I got the call that we were chosen to rescue him. We drove to the rescue in NJ to meet him. He was a mess! But we knew he would become part of our family. My mom chose his name as it was my father’s high school nickname.

Last year my mother passed away. My sweet Rocky was by her side until her last breath. We both have been through so much together as her sickness took a toll on us. Rocky has been amazing with both of my children (3 years and 10 months). He especially loves to watch the baby and make sure he’s okay - ever since he was born.

Rocky’s true love is his stuffed animals. He’s never liked other typical chew toys. He just loves his babies. I always call Rocky my “old puppy”. You would never think he’s his age by the way he acts. Except for the fact that he loves to go upstairs to bed. Even when he was younger, getting his stuffed duck and heading up to bed with us has been his favorite part of the day.

Friday evening when I got home from work/daycare pickup, Rocky greeted us at the door like usual but he wasn’t barking - which is 100% not normal. I knew instantly something wasn’t right. My daughter and I took him outside and on the walk back in he was moving slower than usual. He got inside and immediately laid down and wouldn’t eat his food. I didn’t hesitate and called the emergency vet.

Shockingly Rocky needed a splenectomy/biopsy. He has never been sick in his life so I felt like I was faced w/such a hard choice. I never got him pet insurance and I am beating myself up over that. Between daycare cost and life with kids in general any amount is appreciated.