Help Save Zero – Our Sweet Basenji Needs Lifesaving Surgery

Hi friends, family, and fellow animal lovers,

My name is Tony, and I'm reaching out with a heavy heart and hopeful spirit to ask for your help. My beloved dog, Zero, a sixteen-month-old Basenji, is in urgent need of lifesaving surgery.

Zero isn't just a pet – he's family. From the moment I brought him home, he’s brought an endless supply of love, laughter, and warmth into my life. He’s shy around new people but unbelievably affectionate once he feels safe. He has a gentle soul, an expressive little face, and a unique ability to make anyone feel special. Whether he’s tucking himself under a blanket like a burrito, or tilting his head with curiosity at the sound of a squeaky toy, Zero has a way of turning ordinary moments into something magical.

When my girlfriend and I went to the pet store to grab poop bags one fateful day in June of 2024, we could never have imagined the journey "oh lets look at the puppies" would start us down. Sitting in the last kennel, all alone and looking incredibly dejected, was a little red and white pup of a breed we didn't recognize. He was napping in the furthest corner from the front, and the sole sign on the kennel bore a picture of him and his comically oversized ears with the name "Chowder". His price was reduced by more than 50%, and upon inquiring with staff we were told why.

Zero had been there for several months. People came, took him out, and then put him back without any real reason. Nobody wanted to bring him home. Nobody wanted to give this sweet little guy a fair chance. My girlfriend and I looked at each other, and neither of us spoke a word. We took him out, and were told he's very shy which we suspect was due to him feeling repeatedly abandoned. That he might not want to really interact much.

The moment we were alone with him, he walked right over to my girlfriend and laid his head on her shoulders. Then he walked over and started licking me, first my hand and shortly thereafter all over my face. We knew at that moment what we'd gotten ourselves into. We put the deposit down that night, and two days later Zero came home. Since then, he's been the center of the world to us and just an objectively Very Good Boy. We knew that that was why nobody else would take him. Because he always had a home, he was just waiting for us to run out of poop bags.

But now, Zero is facing something we never could have anticipated.

Zero has been diagnosed with a genetic condition called cystinuria, which causes painful and dangerous bladder and urethral stones. Despite our best efforts with special diets and medical management, his condition has worsened, and the stones have become life-threatening. He’s in discomfort every day, and the only way to save him is through a specialized surgery that will remove the obstructions and help prevent future ones.

The cost of this procedure, along with the necessary imaging, hospitalization, and post-operative care, will total over $8,000. As much as it pains me to admit it, I simply can't afford this on my own.

This is why I'm turning to you — to ask for your help in giving Zero the chance he deserves. Every single dollar raised will go directly toward Zero's surgery and care. If you’re unable to donate, even just sharing this page means the world to us.

Zero has so much life and love left to give. Please help me save my sweet boy and give him a future free of pain. I truly believe he was meant to be here longer, to bring joy, laughter, and quiet companionship to everyone he meets.

From the bottom of my heart — thank you.

With gratitude,

Tony & Zero