Give Toast the Chance to Run and Play Again

Hi, my name is Juliana and many of you know my sweet chihuahua, Toast, “the tiny dog”. Toast had a rough start in life. At nine weeks old and barely weighing 9 oz, she was rushed to the SPCA after being accidentally dropped on the ground by a previous owner. Arriving cold and flat, suffering from hypoglycemia, she was likely not cared for properly and was ultimately abandoned. For being so small and underweight, Toast was lucky not to have suffered any broken bones from the fall, yet it was still not certain she would survive. But thanks to the caring staff, a little warmth, and sugar water, she began to perk up. One staff member decided to foster her and she soon revealed her spunky, resilient personality.

What you may not know is I had lost my beloved Nala of thirteen years (also a small, loving chihuahua) a few months before, and I was heartbroken. It was after a caring friend shared a photo of Toast on Facebook, seeing her tiny, adorable self, that warmed my heart. I reached out to find out about Toast's journey and her future.

Now nineteen months old, Toast weighs a whopping 4 lbs and 9 oz and has been with me for just over a year. She is full of energy, super friendly with people, standing on her hind legs to seemingly give people a high five to greet them. People can't help but return the greeting. She loves playing with her dog friends and running wild any chance she gets.

This has all changed recently. Toast began to slow down and show less interest in her walks, preferring to be carried, or just plopping on the ground to rest. One day she started hopping on her right back leg, finally revealing her trouble. Toast has been diagnosed with a Luxating Patella, stage 3 of 4, which is common in small dogs. Her kneecap 'pops out' or moves out of its normal location. Unfortunately, Toast will need surgery to correct it. Her left leg is affected to a lesser degree but hopefully she can manage it. It pains me to see her having trouble walking and to have to be extremely limited in her activities.

Putting the surgery off can be detrimental. I love Toast and I want her to have the best chance at a good, long, pain-free life ahead. With the surgery, Toast will regain full use of her leg. Her recovery will be about 6-8 weeks, and she can resume her youthful, playful, fun self.

The surgery and her care will cost approximately $3,500. I cannot afford this surgery on my own and with it now being considered a pre-existing condition, pet insurance is not an option to cover the expense. This is why I am asking for your help to give Toast the life she deserves. Any donation is greatly appreciated, as is your love and support.