Stella is a 9-year-old Chihuahua Mix in Austin, TX, who needs $1,500 for Insulinoma - Partial Pancreatectomy and Splenectomy.

Stellaluna "Stella" found us 9 years ago after wandering the streets of Oakland, CA. She now lives in Austin, TX where she loves barking at trucks in her yard, freeze-dried treats, and cuddles with her momma. She's 14.5lbs (on a good day), and named after the bat of the children's book of the same name, because of her coloring, perky ears, big eyes, and pointy narrow nose when she was adopted.

Stella loves to show off her tricks "spin" and "godzilla" and has learned to "ask nicely" for food and treats by tap-tapping twice with her paw. She's a tough nut to crack for new friends: you have to earn her trust, but when you do she's velcro. She loves her daily "special" (dental treat) & will spin like a helicopter at mealtime. She loves to cuddle under the covers in the warmest nook in bed.

Stella is the epitome of weird. At first meeting she may appear "normal" or "fearful" but once she gets to know you she'll bless you with derpy sideways walking, throwing toys all around for you to catch, docking her head between your knees, and mining for gold in your nose with her tongue. She's also talkative, and has been trained to say "mama" on command, and giggles when she's excited.

Stella has recently been diagnosed with a rare insulinoma. We're fortunate that it's early enough to be a candidate for surgical removal, requiring partial panreatectomy and a spelnectomy and several nights hospitalization and monitoring.

Stella has been with me through my mom's cancer battle, moving states, breakups, and every trial I've faced she's been the brave party always greeting me with cuddles and kisses. Now she's in need and I want to be her hero in return.