Let me introduce you to Friend.

Yes, that's his name, and yes, he's the definition of a glow-up waiting to happen. When my brother Rob found this 7-pound toy poodle wandering around, he looked (and smelled) like he'd crawled out of a dumpster behind a haunted cheese factory. His fur was one giant, matted dreadlock, his nails were curling into his paw pads like something from a horror movie, and the stench... oh my god, you guys. It’s like death, poop, and regret had a baby and named it Halitosis.

But Rob didn’t hesitate.

He took him to get scanned... yay, a microchip! We were all pumped for a joyful reunion! Until… the previous owner said he didn’t want him back. Just like that. It was heartbreaking.

Rob, being the kindhearted dude he is, took him back to the vet. Friend got a full shave (no more matting!), antibiotics for infections, a warm bed, soft food for his poor mouth, and all the love he’d been missing. The vet believes he’s about 13 years old and likely has a broken jaw. His teeth are in horrific shape...rotting, cracked, and literally oozing infection. The smell is just a symptom of a deeper problem: extreme, painful dental disease.

He needs every single tooth removed. Urgently.

The cost of surgery is $2,500, which covers the dental extractions, anesthesia, pain meds, and follow-up care. It’s a lot, especially for my brother who’s had a year. (No need for details, but let’s just say Rob and Friend were both chewed up and spit out by life...and somehow found each other at the exact right moment.)

Now they’re inseparable. Rob delivers Uber Eats, and Friend is his co-pilot (unless it’s too hot, of course...he’s got standards). Friend follows Rob like a shadow. And honestly? Rob is the first human Friend has ever had who treats him like he matters.

This little dog deserves to live out his golden years pain-free, stink-free, and surrounded by love. And Rob deserves the joy of giving that to him, without going broke in the process.

If you can chip in anything at all, even $5, we’d be forever grateful.

Let’s help Friend finally smile… and let us all breathe a little easier.

Thank you so much.

Clearview Animal Hospital in Snohomish, WA is where Friend will be having his surgery.