Taz is a 14-year-old Shih Tzu in Boonsboro, MD, who needs $1,600 for Periodical blood work, x-rays and medications.

Taz has lived with me since I bought him when he was 13 weeks. He's always been a gentle and sweet dog. He was bitten by a pygmy rattlesnake in Florida 10 years ago. He came through it well, but only after 6 hours of intravenous serum. His cushings should be monitored through blood test and x-rays, plus medication. That is why I'm asking for help.

I have Taz and a chihuahua, Ollie. They get along very well. Both dogs love people. Taz was diagnosed about a year ago with Cushing's Disease. That was at the same time that my female shih tzu had to be put down because of heart disease. I had spent over $10,000 on trying to save her. I am on Social Security and part time work. I still owe close to $6,000.

I owe about $6000. for the dog I had to put down. Part of it was a loan and part the animal clinic. I live on social security and an 8 hour part time job. He needs treatment such as blood test, x-rays and medication. I haven't been able to afford it.

He was diagnosed a year ago, about the same time I had to put my female shih tzu down. He was diagnosed by Animal Clinic of Funkstown, MD. He hasn't been treated for the disease because I can't afford it. We treat the symptoms such as abdominal swelling, and urinary tract infections. He takes a pain killer along with medicine for urinary tract infection twice a day.

Taz can smell a treat from 20 feet away. I can't come in the house without giving him a treat. He loves Charlie Bears and Pupperoni's. He cocks his head when you ask him a question. He is always following me with his eyes. I used to use turkey slices twice a day to get my female to take her pills. He loved that. So, twice a day he takes his gabapentin pills in turkey. He begs for it.