Poor Chip. Not only is he a stray that was rescued in Middlefield, but he also needs surgery.

That is where you can help.

This small male Chihuahua mix was rescued by the Geauga County Dog Warden recently.

He has "cherry eye", according to shelter officials, and needs surgery.

The shelter is seeking money donations to help with the cost of the surgery.

If you can help Chip, send a check to the Geauga County Dog Shelter, 12513 Merritt Road, Chardon.

For more information, call 440-286-8135.

According to Doctors Foster and Smith peteducation.com Web site, the medical term for "cherry eye" is nictitans gland prolapse, or prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid.

Unlike people, dogs have a third eyelid that contains a tear gland and is located in the corner of each eye.

Under normal circumstances, this gland is not visible and aids in the production of tears.

For a reason not completely understood, the gland of the third eyelid prolapses or comes out of its normal position and swells to create the condition known as cherry eye.

-- Robin Palmer