Spruce is a 7-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog in Orem, UT, who needs $2,000 for Cystotomy.

I researched traits and qualities in the dog I wanted. I chose a Bernese Mountain Dog to be my buddy and hiking companion. The breeder actually gave personality tests so match dogs with owners. Spruce was my boy and it has been a perfect match. At the time I got him, I was going through a very difficult setback in my life. I can actually say that Spruce saved my life and now it is my turn.

Spruce and I are glued at the hip. I rarely go anywhere without him. He is smart and cute. We have a special communication between us. It is just Spruce and I. He welcomes anyone I bring into my circle and is always very excited to see them. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body, but is always welcoming.

I almost look at Spruce as being more human than dog because he is so intuitive. All of his antics make me smile: the way he holds up his paw when he wants something, the way he lays his head on my shoulder when we go for drives, the way he puts his chin on my bed and breaths hard to wake me when he needs to go out. He is the one who leads when we go on walks and communicates which way we go.

Spruce has had the needed surgery once. Here we go again. It is a genetic condition that causes bladder stones. They are painful and could cause blockage. This is a life saving surgery. Frustratingly there is a medication that could prevent them from forming, but the pill that used to cost 1.32 now costs 30.00 per pill. Spruce has good years left. He needs surgery.

Been through this surgery once. It cost me my savings. I learned I need to see a nutritionist to formulate food that can possibly prevent this from happening again. The consult and ultrasound has already cost me almost $1,000. I need my buddy to live his full life.