Eli Needs Urgent Exploratory Surgery—Please Help!

Eli was saved from the euthanasia list in Palm Beach County on January 23, 2024. Before rescue, he was abandoned when his family moved away, left behind with no one to fight for him. After being pulled to safety, a foster placement fell through, and Eli spent nearly a full year in boarding—watching other dogs leave for loving homes while he continued to wait. Despite everything, he never lost his gentle, hopeful spirit.

About a year ago, Eli finally found stability in a committed foster home, where he has truly blossomed. He is housebroken, crate trained, a laid-back couch companion, and a goofy sunbather who simply wants to be near his people. He is the definition of resilient.

Now, Eli is facing a life-threatening emergency. He began vomiting suddenly, and veterinary staff suspect a foreign body intestinal obstruction—an extremely dangerous condition that can quickly become fatal without immediate surgery. Eli is scheduled for emergency exploratory surgery.

Intestinal blockages can worsen rapidly. Without surgery, toxins build up, tissue can die, and survival chances drop dramatically. Diagnostics and stabilization have already begun, but surgery, hospitalization, medications, and follow-up care will come at a significant cost.

Three Stooges Rescue Inc. is currently under heavy financial strain, carrying over $10,000 in credit card debt from previous emergency surgeries, routine vetting, food, supplies, and preventatives for dogs in care. Eli’s emergency comes at a time when absorbing another major medical bill simply isn’t possible without support.

Every donation—no matter the size—moves Eli one step closer to recovery. It gives him the chance to survive this emergency and continue his journey toward the forever home he has waited so long to find.

Eli has already overcome abandonment and a year of waiting. He deserves the chance to overcome this, too. Please consider donating and sharing his story. Second chances save lives

3/27/26 Update

During Eli’s emergency exploratory surgery, veterinarians discovered a large amount of grass in his stomach and intestines. It appears that Eli may have been trying to make himself vomit, which led to the dangerous blockage. While it’s difficult to determine exactly what triggered the behavior, his foster dad shared that toy time is always supervised, making this an unexpected and frightening situation.

The most important thing is that the obstruction was successfully removed, and Eli is now recovering. He’s already starting to feel better, though he’s definitely not a fan of wearing the cone. Like many dogs, he’s a little frustrated with the restrictions, but it’s an important part of keeping his incision safe while he heals.

Despite everything he’s been through — abandonment, a year in boarding, and now emergency surgery — Eli continues to show his resilient spirit. He’s resting comfortably, being closely monitored, and taking things one day at a time.

Emergency surgery, hospitalization, medications, and follow-up care have created a significant financial burden for Three Stooges Rescue Inc., which was already managing existing veterinary debt. Eli’s life was saved, but the costs of his care remain.

If you’re able, please consider making a donation to help offset Eli’s emergency medical expenses. Every contribution helps ensure he can continue healing and moves him one step closer to the forever home he’s waited so long to find

4/15/26 Update

We’re so happy to share that Eli is continuing to do really well in his recovery! After everything he’s been through, it’s incredible to see him settling back into comfort and love in his foster home. One of the sweetest parts of his healing journey has been his bond with his foster sister, Willow. The two of them have become inseparable—cuddling together, sleeping side by side, and giving each other a sense of comfort that only another dog can provide. It’s clear how much Eli thrives when he feels safe and loved.

His personality is shining right back through. The same gentle, resilient boy who waited so long for stability is now soaking up every moment of it—resting, healing, and enjoying the simple joy of companionship. While Eli is doing great physically, his journey isn’t over just yet. His life-saving surgery, hospitalization, and follow-up care have created a significant financial burden for Three Stooges Rescue Inc., which is already managing existing veterinary debt. Eli is safe because of this care—but now we need help covering the cost of giving him that second chance.

If you’re able, please consider making a donation today. No amount is too small—every dollar helps relieve the burden and ensures Eli can continue healing without compromise. If you can’t donate, sharing Eli’s story is just as powerful. The more people who see him, the closer we get to easing this burden and helping him move one step closer to the forever home he’s been waiting so long to find. Eli didn’t give up. Let’s not give up on him.