Zuzu is a 10-year-old Maltipoo in Phoenix, AZ, who needs $2,000 for Mass Removal and Spay.

Zuzu's arrival in our family was a heartfelt Valentine's Day gift for my daughter. We decided to surprise her with a puppy, and the moment she laid eyes on the adorable little bundle of fur, it was love at first sight. After much thought, she named her Zuzu, a name that instantly felt perfect. She has been with us for almost 11 years now.

Her presence has encouraged us to lead a more active lifestyle. Daily walks or hikes, and playtime in the park have not only benefited her health but ours as well. Zuzu's playfulness and infectious energy have brought smiles and laughter into our lives, reinforcing the importance of play, fun, and spending quality time with loved ones. She loves to sleep in the bed with me or one of the kids

she's positively spooked by fireworks and thunder. When those booms start, you can bet she's hiding under the bed! She loves to pay tug-a-war with her favorite chew toy (my daughters old stuffed rabbit) These idiosyncrasies have, in their own way, become part of what makes Zuzu so special.

I noticed a lump on Zuzu's right side, I wasn't worried at first, but then it started getting bigger and spread along her entire right side. I took her to Scottsdale Animal Healthcare. I am working hard caring for her with at home treatments but she needs immediate medical attention for the removal of the mass.

I was recently laid off from my job and I am still actively looking for employment. I am doing Doordash just to make ends meet but it's just not enough to also take care of Zuzu's veterinary costs. Zuzu is our family and we just can't imagine life without her.