Winston is a 12-year-old English Bull Dog in Gastonia, NC, who needs $2,000 for TECA surgery.

Winston has been with us for almost 7 years. Before he came to us he had spent the five years before with a breeder. He lived in a kennel and was used as a grand sire. He had to have surgery and the vet recommended that he not be used for breeding any longer and I had always wanted a bulldog. He lives with me, his brother ( another 4 legged friend) and my disabled husband.

Winston loves people, and hasn't met anyone he doesn't like. He loves the attention of others and will sit down pressed up against them, usually on their feet. His favorite things in life are eating, napping and going to PetSmart. He stays home with his dad every day and stays close by. He definitely is a love bug.

I work in the field of substance abuse and mental health clients. It's a demanding and long housed job. I am the sole provider due to my husbands severe medical problems and him needing to be homebound for the last couple of years. Life is tight financially.

Winston came into our lives 7 years ago after having testosterone stones, which would not allow him to continue his job of breeding. He had to have bladder surgery and we decided to neuter him at that time. He also had a long history of ear infections, which has progressively worsened. His doctor now states we do not have any more options. Surgery is now the only recommendation.

Winston is quite the gentleman. He sits next to you, doesn't bark but is sure to put his paw on your leg when he wants to be rubbed. The only way you can tell when he is happy is when his little tail goes back and forth. Every evening when I get home from work he begins to bark and jump around, wanting his brother to play with him. He rests all day and is ready to play once I arrive.