My name is Laura and I am reaching out to the Wodonga/Albury community to help save a 14 year old Shih-Tzu x Maltese named Boots (formerly Booth).

Last week, I rescued Boots from a situation of severe medical and physical neglect. He had been left in a house with minimal care, and his previous owners intended to dump him at the pound to be euthanized because they view his medical needs as "silly" and "too expensive" for a dog of his age. Once he was in my care I spent more than 4 hours removing his matted fur, bathing him and trying to get him to eat.

I took Boots to Murray River Animal Hospital, where the vet confirmed the heartbreaking extent of his condition. Grade 4 Dental Disease: This is the most advanced stage of dental decay. His mouth is a source of constant infection and immense pain.

Severe Matting & Skin Inflammation: His coat was so badly matted that his skin was raw and inflamed underneath whilst also suffering from flea allergy dermatitis.

Markedly Overgrown Nails: His nails were so long he could barely walk and had a visible limp. He currently requires high-level nerve pain medication just to allow the vet to trim them.

Dietary Mismanagement: He was fed only cat food for majority of his life which led to digestive inflammation, organ stress and passing bloody mucus stools mixed with worms.

Despite his age and the neglect he has suffered, Boots still has a zest for life. Since coming into my care, he has enjoyed walks, "chicken nugget" treats, and for the first time in years a soft bed and a quiet home.

However, his road to recovery is expensive. To live the rest of his life without the agony of dental infection, he needs major surgery to remove his decayed teeth and treat his systemic inflammation. The estimated cost for his dental surgery and ongoing specialist care is approximately $4,000.

Every cent raised will go directly towards Boots’ Dental Surgery: Extraction of infected teeth and oral repair.

Medications: Antibiotics, Apoquel for skin inflammation, and pain relief.

Boots didn't choose to be neglected, and he doesn't deserve to be discarded just because he's a senior. He has a lot of love left to give, and I am determined to make his final years his best ones.

Any donation, no matter how small, will go a long way in helping this sweet old boy live a life free from pain. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing his story.

Thank you for your support.