Featured Pet
Every Breath Is a Struggle for Dior
Gallery
7 photos · 1 video
About this campaign
Dior is a tiny, one-year-old Pomeranian with a huge personality and a dangerously fragile airway.
He was found abandoned in poor condition by a senior volunteer with New York Cat Warriors. He had a severely matted coat and was covered in ticks and fleas. But the most frightening problem was something we could hear: a harsh, hoarse cough followed by episodes of gasping and labored breathing.
Dior is a happy, affectionate little puppy who wants to play, explore and be close to people. But excitement and stress can make him pant heavily and struggle for air. Ordinary moments that should be joyful can become frightening because his airway cannot reliably remain open.
Dior’s preliminary examination, bloodwork and chest X-rays have been completed. The radiology report confirmed collapse of his trachea where it enters his chest, along with collapse affecting some of his smaller airways. His condition also creates additional risk under anesthesia, particularly during recovery.
Dior has now been referred to the specialists at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center for the advanced care he needs, including an anticipated tracheal stent procedure.
The AMC estimates that Dior’s surgery will cost approximately $16,000. With assistance from AMC to the Rescue and NYCW’s 20% rescue discount, most of that cost can be covered, but our rescue must still raise the remaining $3,000 for Dior to move forward with treatment.
That $3,000 is the obstacle standing between Dior and the specialty care that could allow him to breathe more safely and comfortably.
Although New York Cat Warriors is ordinarily a cat rescue, we could not turn away this tiny abandoned dog when he needed help. We are a small, all-volunteer, foster-based organization with limited financial resources, and a $3,000 specialty-care balance is more than we can absorb without help.
Dior is now safe in foster care with the volunteer who found him. She is seriously considering adopting him once his airway condition has been treated and he is medically cleared. Dior may already have the loving permanent home he deserves but first, we must help him breathe.
Please help us raise the final $3,000 needed to unlock Dior’s procedure. NYCW will remain responsible for his medications, follow-up care and recovery needs as they arise. Every donation will help turn AMC to the Rescue’s extraordinary assistance into the specialty care Dior needs and bring him closer to the secure, happy life that should have been his all along.
If funds raised exceed Waggle's goal for this featured pet, Waggle will use the surplus to help other animals in catastrophic situations and support our mission to end economic euthanasia.
Updates
October 10, 2026
A little dog with a big personality deserves to enjoy life without struggling for every breath.
Sweet Dior has already been through so much in his short life. After being found abandoned and in poor condition, he was finally given a safe place to land with New York Cat Warriors. But his greatest challenge is still ahead of him.
At just one year old, Dior is living with a serious collapsing airway that makes even everyday excitement and activity potentially dangerous. While he has been enjoying the love and companionship of his foster family, he still needs specialized medical care to help him breathe more comfortably and safely.
Thanks to the incredible assistance being provided by the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center and AMC to the Rescue, much of Dior's anticipated $16,000 procedure cost is being covered. However, his small, volunteer-run rescue still needs help with the remaining $3,000.
Dior has already been given a second chance at finding love and security. Now, we want to help give him the chance to enjoy that life without the constant struggle to breathe.
Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared his story, or supported this sweet little boy so far. Your kindness means so much to Dior and the rescue working tirelessly to help him.
Please continue sharing Dior's fundraiser and helping us spread the word. Every contribution brings him closer to the specialty care he desperately needs!
October 7, 2026
For now, Dior gets to simply enjoy being a little dog.
He is safe in the care of an experienced medical foster, where he has been having a wonderful time getting to know his foster siblings. After everything surrounding his fragile airway and the uncertainty of what comes next, these ordinary moments of companionship and belonging are especially meaningful.
But even while Dior settles into foster life, the serious medical need behind his fundraiser has not gone away. His collapsing airway still requires specialty care, and the cost of getting him there is far beyond what his small rescue can take on alone.
Dior has already found people willing to protect him, care for him, and make sure he never has to face his medical challenges alone. What he needs now is a community willing to help them keep going.
Please consider donating to Dior’s fundraiser today. Every contribution helps his rescue move closer to covering the specialty care he needs so this tiny boy can spend less time struggling with his airway and more time enjoying the kind of life he is beginning to discover with his foster family.
Dior (Right) with his foster's pup Ting (Left) 
Celebrating the arrival of fall!
- Location
- NY, NY • NY Cat Warriors
- Species:
- Dog
- Breed:
- Pomeranian
- Age:
- 1 years old
- Sex:
- Male