Hello everyone! For those of you who don't know me, my name is Tiana Gordon. I live in Vancouver, BC with my partner and my little sidekick, Toshi.

Heads up, this is wordy. So here's the TLDR:

Toshi is 8.5 years old and is almost completely blind (he can only see light and dark). His breed is estimated to live around 13-15 years, so I'd like to get him cataract surgery so he can see again. It's really expensive, and a big recovery time commitment so I need your help in order to let Toshi see again!

Toshi is a 8.5 year old 5lb Miki. Miki's are relatively new breeds originally mixed with Japanese Chin, Papillon, and Havanese. I know there's mixed feelings on dogs from breeders, but here's Tosh and I's story.

As many of you know, I've struggled my whole life with anxiety and depression. This culminated in 2017 with an attempt to "call it quits" shall we say... So obviously not a great time in my life.

While recovering, I was researching dog breeds and considering getting another dog (our family dog, Willy, was about 11 at the time and we knew he didn't have much longer left). My mom and I stumbled across the Miki, and upon researching we knew that this was the right kind of dog for this point in my life. They're known to be extremely affectionate, are commonly used as therapy and service animals, and bond deeply with their owners.

We reached out to a reputable breeder in Washington state and she replied immediately saying she just happened to have one puppy left from her current litter. He had blue eyes, light brown and white fur, and the sweetest little crooked face. And I knew from the moment I saw that first picture, that was my little guy. The first time the breeder put him in my arms he climbed up my chest, curled into my neck, and went to sleep.

Now this may sound cliche, but Toshi truly saved my life. If I hadn't got him when I did, I don't know where I would be today.

Toshi is my shadow, my best friend, and one of my greatest joys in life. He goes pretty much everywhere with me - many of you know Toshi from seeing him on set! And despite his small stature, he has always been a great adventure dog. He would always accompany us on hikes, boat rides, trips to the beach, work trips, and everything in between.

In spite of Toshi's love of adventure, over the past two or so years he has started to develop cataracts. They came on really slowly at first, and then at about 1 - 1.5 years in they all of a sudden just hit.

Toshi started bumping into things; he wouldn't jump up or down the couch anymore; he started getting really nervous in new places he didn't know; walks became increasingly slow and cautious; hikes on uneven ground became too difficult; boat rides confused and scared him now; and even going back to my parents house - a place he lived for the majority of his life - he's too anxious and unsure to navigate it himself.

It's been incredibly heartbreaking to see this drastic change in his life. He is super comfortable at home in our apartment (but he'll still bump into things almost daily), but when we go to new places he essentially needs to be in my arms the whole time. I know this isn't what he wants - he's still so energetic and curious, and I know he would be having such a better time if he could just see.

Our vet referred us to Western Canada Veterinary Eye Specialists where in early November we had a consultation with Dr. King. And it wasn't all bad news! Toshi can only see light and dark now, but he doesn't have glaucoma or any other eye related issues besides the cataracts. Which means he could potentially be a good candidate for cataract surgery! Yay! Right? Well, kinda.

There's still a couple things to consider.

Toshi still needs a full medical exam and blood testing done by our vet before he can be cleared for surgery.

Since Toshi has a high liver enzyme count (common in this breed, and treated through a daily supplement - doesn't cause any issues) he may require more treatment after the surgery, or might not be eligible at all.

With treatment and care after the surgery, there's a huge time commitment needed (3-4 eye medications up to 4 times daily, 2 oral medications up to 3 times daily, and Tosh must be in an e-collar for 3-4 weeks after) so I will likely need to take some time off work.

And of course the biggest factor: the cost. Which is why we're all here.

This is the breakdown I was provided:

-Initial consult and costs for testing to see if Toshi is a good candidate

$750 - $800

-Full medical exam, blood and urine testing from our regular vet

$300 - $500

-Surgery costs for both eyes

$6,200 - $6,600

-6 - 12 months of aftercare (medications, re-check exams, etc.)

$3,000 - $3,500

All in total we're looking at around $10,250 - $11,400 for Toshi to be able to see again (not including time I will have to take off work to care for him)

This is obviously a tremendous cost. And one that I am privileged to even consider paying. This is not something I would consider if Toshi was any older than he is. But the Miki generally lives around 13-15 years, so little Tosh still definitely has many good years left in him.

Anyways, all that to say whatever you have to contribute - even if it's a dollar - is so incredibly appreciated. I've been quite emotional writing this imagining Toshi being able to see again and how happy he would be and how we could go back to doing all things we used to together.

Of course we still have to determine if Toshi is eligible for surgery. If we discover that he isn't, all the money will of course be returned. But cross your fingers that this little guy can do it! It'll be a long road ahead, but I know Toshi and he's as sassy and stubborn as he is cute - he'll recover like a champ and be back on set before we know it.

Thanks to everyone that took the time to read this,

Love Toshi and Tiana.