Xen is a 12-year-old Pit Bull mix in Keedysville , MD, who needs $4,000 for radiation therapy for brain tumor.

Xen has been with me since she was four months old, adopted from neighbors who didn’t want her. I was young when I got her, and she has been with me through homelessness, moving cross country, working long hours, every trip (except one!) I’ve ever taken. We now have settled in rural Western Maryland, in the mountains, and close to all of her favorite trails and swimming holes.

Xen is not a fan of other furry animals but loves people especially her people. She always has to be on top of us, and always has to be under the covers. We go hiking about every other day! In her prime, we did 10-15 miles on every trip. Since she’s slowed down, she will still go a few miles, and she loves it.

We work for ourselves in a rural area. Diagnosis (MRI, CT scan, neuro/oncology consults, meds) in the past few months has cost us thousands in a short period of time. With treatment, she could get a few more years. Without it, she only has months.

Xen was diagnosed with a brain tumor - a pituitary macroadenoma. It is pretty large and has caused some personality and physical changes. She isn’t so kissy anymore. She circles and paces. It has affected her vision so that her pupils don’t dilate as they should, and she will walk into things and has issues will depth perception. She started to whine whenever she needs something or is confused.

Xen is the best! She is very communicative and deceptively smart. She’s more of a grumbler than a whiner, so if she’s grumbling you know she wants something. She loves water and loves to swim. Whenever we go hiking, she will try to pull us to the water. In the summer, she will lie in any body of water to cool off like a baby hippo. She is a very mouthy dog, who loves to give kisses.