Rufio is a 5-year-old Yorkie/Chihuahua (Chorkie) in Vacaville, CA, who needs $2,000 for MRI and Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) Surgery.

We adopted Rufio on July 7th, 2019 from the Vacaville SPCA. On adoption day, we took the whole family and all 4 kids agreed that Rufio was the dog for us. Rufio instantly became best friends with our other dog Blu. We named him Rufio, due to his mom having a crush on the character Rufio in the movie "Hook"! He is truly part of our lovely blended family.

Every night Rufio takes turns sleeping in each of the kids rooms. More often than not, we find him curled up with us ready to protect us from any little noise! He loves to go for rides and helps mom take the kids to school and pick up each day. He is also a great travel buddy and goes with us on family vacations! His favorite thing to do is throw his toy in the air and try to catch it himself!

Rufio is so special because he is a constant in our children's lives. With a blended family, back and forth travel between 2 households is mentally tough on kids. They know when they get home, Rufio is there waiting to share his cuddles every time. The comradery and strength he provides is something we have been so lucky to have. Our children have benefitted so much from his selfless love.

Rufio went from a healthy dog to partially paralyzed due to a spinal disk problem in less than a week. There were no warning signs, just a genetic disposition to spinal problems that we were unaware of. Vetrinarian's are Vaca Valley Animal and VCA of Sacramento. If treated early with surgery and rest, there is a 90% chance of full recovery. He is currently on "bed rest" and pain meds.

This unforeseen cost is particularly high due to the cost of MRI at $5k with surgery to follow. Rufio is the heart and soul of our lives but especially the children's. To have him healthy and live his expected life to the ripe ol' age of 13-15 would mean the world to us!