Rowdy is an 8 year-old Labrador Retriever/Pit Bull mix in Springfield, OR, who needs $2,000 for a mast cell tumor removal and reconstructive surgery.

While delivering Meals on Wheels in 2011, I came upon this pup that was tied in a carport of one of my deliveries. He was exuberantly friendly each week I delivered. Many times he had no food or water in reach or at all. Finally, I had seen enough and asked if they wanted him and the response was "you can take that DAMN dog. So I did. He has always been thankful for food and care. He's helped me with passing of my best friend, my stepfather and my my sister over the last few years. He always there when I needed some comfort, after visiting and caring for my 92 year old mother. He been a joy, no troubles or problems until last year, when he was diagnosed with a mast cell tumor near his private parts. My heart broke with the first vet's diagnosis of cancer and all the treatments that might be needed. I was referred to OVRA (Oregon Veterinary Referral Association) and the specialist there said that my sweet boy was a very good candidate for reconstructive surgery. But it's $3100 to $3900 just for the procedure due to the location and margins needed for success. I hate seeing my boy not playing and romping and I can't imagine life without him.