Taz came into our lives during one of our darkest moments. I had been wrongfully diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and while flying from Atlanta to New Jersey we met a stranger in a sketchy van outside of Petsmart and ended up bringing home this tiny spinning, screaming little Tasmanian Devil who instantly became my mom’s companion and our family’s joy. He earned the name Taz after two weeks of pure chaos—destroying my clothes, tearing up my room, and spinning like the cartoon character. But through it all, he brought laughter and comfort when we desperately needed it.

Recently, everything changed. Taz suffered a sudden medical emergency and is now losing blood from an ulcer. He needs a transfusion and corrective surgery urgently. Our energetic old-man-puppy who once filled every room with attitude and joy can now barely lift his head. Taz isn’t just a pet. He’s the man, the pup, the tinkler, the spinner, the smack-talker—the legend. He lights up everyone’s day. Even the vet said he’s the happiest sick dog she’s ever met and instantly fell in love with him. His spirit is special in a way that’s hard to explain unless you’ve met him.

Unfortunately, I’ve been battling a chronic condition and multiple surgeries have left me financially depleted. We are doing everything we can, but we simply cannot cover the cost of the emergency and after care he needs to survive. Any amount helps. Taz is our heart — the one who greets us at the door, who makes us laugh when we’re low, who gives love without hesitation. He holds our family together in ways only he can. We just want our boy back. We want to give him the chance to keep spinning, smiling, loving, and living.