Toby is a 7-year-old Mini Schnauzer in Titusville, FL, who needs $2,000 for eye surgery.

My dad and I had been wanting a dog for 10 years, and when my battle with mental health issues became apparent to my family, we looked on Craigslist for an emotional support dog. I really wanted a Yorkie and my dad wanted a Mini Schnauzer. I came across a post for a Yorkie Poodle mix and my dad saw a Mini Schnauzer in the background of the photo. We contacted the family and found out the Yorkie mix had already found a home but they were looking to re-home their Miniature Schnauzer (named Toby) because their daughter was going off to college and they parents wouldn't be able to give him quality time.

We went to see him and he was laying on their screened in porch when we got there. The owners told us Toby was a rescue because the former owner abused him. He was scared and hid because it was a man who abused him in the past. We were amazed that he actually warmed up to my dad, and we all fell in love with him that day. There was no doubt he would fit in well with our family. So without thinking anymore, we took him home. The daughter, who was going off to college, looked to me and said he would bond with me. We didn't know this when we got him but Toby and I share a birthday. He quickly became my best friend. He follows me around the house and even sleeps on my bed.

Not long after I was put into a crisis stabilization unit for my depression. During the time I was there, my parents saw him sleeping outside my bedroom door. After that he became more than just my best friend he became the best emotional support animal (ESA) I could ever have. But, eye cataracts are a common problem with Schnauzers, and Toby is no exception. As his vision became worse, I became his support. He has walked into doors at night and he has even fallen into the pool at my aunt's house because he couldn't see the difference between the pool deck and the water.