Pojei

About the Campaign

Pojei’s mouth hurts every time he tries to eat, and he now needs dental surgery to treat advanced periodontal disease.

Pojei’s breath has gotten so bad that Hazel knew something was seriously wrong. His jaw sometimes gets stuck when he tries to open his mouth, and he actually shakes from the pain. Instead of chewing, he just licks at his wet food because using his teeth hurts too much.

When Hazel finally had $50 to spare, she took him to Banfield on August 5 to find out what was happening. The veterinarian told her that Pojei has periodontal disease. His teeth are dirty, rotting, and painful, and the wet food he needs to get by is only making them worse. He now needs dental surgery to clean and remove the diseased teeth so he can eat without suffering and stop the infection from getting worse.

Hazel didn’t plan on having Pojei in her life. She lived with her landlady—“Auntie”—for 11 years, and Auntie was the one who loved and cared for Max and Pojei. When Auntie went in for a heart bypass in December 2023 and didn’t survive, everything changed overnight. Hazel suddenly had to move and, at the same time, take over caring for both of Auntie’s dogs so they wouldn’t lose their home, too.

Money has been a struggle ever since. Hazel works at Shake Shack wiping tables and doing back-of-house tasks. She hasn’t been trained on the register yet, and she makes about $13 an hour, around 20 hours a week. After rent, car insurance, and basic bills—split with two roommates—there is nothing left over.

Max and Pojei

Before Auntie passed, she helped Hazel financially. That support is gone now, and the reality is harsh: Hazel can barely cover her own expenses, let alone a dental surgery for Pojei.

Despite everything, Pojei is still gentle and trusting. He’s already lost his person; Hazel is determined he won’t lose his health, too. With proper dental care, his painful mouth can be cleaned up, his bad teeth removed, and he can go back to eating without shaking in pain.

Your donation will go toward Pojei’s dental procedure so this little Chihuahua can finally open his mouth, chew his food, and live comfortably again in the home Hazel fought to keep for him. All donations are paid only to the veterinarian. Estimate below, click to enlarge: