Help for CiCi - rescue Chihuahua needs urgent surgery

Hi my name is Stacey, and my dog CiCi is my precious baby, my whole world. Thank you for looking at my GoFundMe page, I've never asked anyone for help with CiCi before, but this upcoming bill is just more than I can manage on my own so I really appreciate your consideration.

I adopted CiCi, my sassy Chihuahua mix, four years ago from a rescue organization in BC. What she lacks in size, she more than makes up for in personality. She came from Tijuana Mexico where she had a tough life as a stray. A man there found her in a garbage dump, where she was living and trying to forage to survive. She is about 13 years old now, and although I knew she had some health problems when she arrived, she has some unexpected and serious issues with her mouth.

In addition to some problems with her teeth, she has a large hole in the roof of her mouth (a cleft palate) which the vet said was very likely congenital. As well as the presence of possible tumours around this hole which the vet needs to investigate further, the hole itself is making it very difficult for CiCi to eat.

This hole will require specialized surgery to correct, and in May of 2025 there will be a visiting specialist who will be able to perform the surgery CiCi needs - provided I can find the money to pay for it.

My initial estimate from the vet is $5000, which includes diagnostic estimates (bloodwork, blood pressure, x-ray, and echocardiogram), as well as the surgical correction of the hole in her mouth. I will have more exact details after the estimates, and I will post those details as I get them.

CiCi is a tough cookie, and no matter what life throws at her she just takes it in her stride. She knows no fear, and I know as long as I don't give up on her, she will keep on fighting.