Help Gucio Recover After a Vicious Dog Attack

Hi, my name is Gucio (pronounced Gucho) — I’m a happy 16-year-old (I will be 17 next month) Maltipoo with a big heart and an even bigger love for life!

I’ve been with my owner since I was just one day old. My birth mom was too sick to feed me and almost died after giving birth, so I was adopted by my human who bottle-fed and raised me with endless love. We’ve been inseparable ever since.

This past weekend, during what should have been a joyful 4th of July weekend celebrating my owner's birthday, my life changed. Out of nowhere, a large dog attacked me — biting into my neck and chest and leaving me badly injured. My owner rushed me to the emergency vet, where I was kept overnight on pain medication and oxygen because of a pre-existing heart condition that has been carefully managed with medication and a strict diet.

The Good News:

The bite didn’t hit any organs or major arteries. Both the critical care surgeon and my cardiologist believed I had a strong chance of making a pretty full recovery and estimated my quality of life after would be 90% of what it was. — and I’ve already pulled through surgery like a champ.

❤️ The Hard Part:

The vet bill came to $3,400 just for the emergency surgery and hospital stay. I’ll also need ongoing aftercare, medication, and heart scans to make sure my treatment plan still works after this trauma — expected to cost an additional $1,500.

My owner, who has always done everything possible to give me a wonderful life, is currently facing her own health challenges and is unemployed. She didn’t hesitate to save me — but she needs to ask for some help covering these bills. The owners of the dog who attacked me were able to contribute $500 due to their own financial circumstances.

Whether it’s $5, $50, or simply sharing this page, it would mean the world to us. Even a kind thought or a prayer for my recovery goes a long way.

Thank you for reading my story. Thank you for caring. And thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for helping me heal.

With love and gratitude,

Gucio & My Human