Help Lyra Roll Into Her Bright Future
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Final update · September 26, 2026
Lyra continues to approach life with the same big personality that has made everyone fall in love with her. At just 9 months old, she has already learned to navigate life with partial paralysis, getting around in her wheelchair and receiving daily assistance from her foster family. None of that has stopped her from enjoying the things she loves most, especially swimming, spending time with other dogs and children, and making sure everyone knows when she would like a little more attention!
Lyra’s spinal condition does mean that her future is uncertain, and her care will continue to require extra support. For now, though, she is enjoying her life and her rescue is focused on keeping her comfortable, happy, and surrounded by love while searching for the very special family willing to give her the forever home she deserves.
To every person who donated to Lyra’s campaign, thank you. The donations you helped raise will go toward the care of this incredibly special girl, and your generosity has helped take some of that financial responsibility off the shoulders of the rescue committed to giving her the fullest life possible.
Lyra’s journey isn’t over, but this fundraiser is coming to a close because of all of you. Thank you for showing up for her, believing in her, and helping make every good day ahead possible.
About this campaign
Lyra has been a fighter since the very beginning.
Earlier this year, she was found abandoned in a box alongside her littermates. Tragically, her siblings didn't survive, but Lyra refused to give up. Thanks to the love and dedication of Rags to Riches Animal Rescue, this sweet little puppy has overcome incredible odds and is now ready to begin the next chapter of her life.
Born with spina bifida, Lyra is unable to use her back legs and is incontinent. While her condition presents lifelong challenges, you would never know it by her attitude. She approaches every day with endless joy, determination, and a playful spirit that refuses to let anything hold her back.
Lyra loves playing with her favorite stuffed animals, spending time with other dogs, and soaking up affection from everyone she meets. Her rescuers are currently working to get her fitted for a wheelchair, which will give her even more freedom to explore the world and enjoy being the happy, mischievous puppy she's meant to be.
Because of her condition, Lyra requires ongoing rehabilitation and specialized care to help maintain her strength, mobility, and overall quality of life. Her daily routine includes rehabilitation exercises, regular diaper changes, baths as needed, and consistent hands-on care to keep her healthy and comfortable. While her needs are greater than those of a typical puppy, her rescuers know that with the right support and a dedicated adopter, Lyra can live an incredibly happy and fulfilling life.
Lyra is looking for a home with someone experienced in caring for medically complex dogs, someone who is home often and can provide the consistency she needs. She would also love to have another canine companion to play with and learn from.
Your donation will help provide Lyra with ongoing rehabilitation, mobility equipment like her wheelchair, veterinary care, medical supplies, and everything she needs while she waits for the perfect forever family.
Lyra has already overcome more than most puppies ever should. With your support, she can continue receiving the specialized care she needs and look forward to a future filled with love, adventure, and every opportunity to live life to the fullest.
Please consider making a donation today to help Lyra keep proving that disabilities don't define what a dog can achieve.
Updates
September 15, 2026
We recently received some heartbreaking news following Lyra’s neurological evaluation.
Sadly, her spinal cord has sustained severe and irreversible damage, and a portion of it is no longer functioning. There is no treatment available that can reverse this damage or restore the function she has already lost.
Her caregivers know that if her condition progresses to the point where her quality of life is no longer there, they will eventually be faced with the incredibly difficult decision to let her go peacefully. But that time is not necessarily now. Right now, the focus is on keeping Lyra comfortable, surrounding her with love, and helping her enjoy all of the good days she still has.
And Lyra certainly still has some zooming left to do! She has officially outgrown her wheelchair and needs a new set of wheels so she can continue getting around and, in true Lyra fashion, terrorizing her fur siblings.
On top of everything else she is facing, Lyra also recently tested positive for coccidia and hookworms and is now receiving treatment for both.
There may not be a way to repair the damage to Lyra’s spinal cord, but there is still so much that can be done to give her comfort, mobility, and the chance to keep enjoying life on her terms.
Please continue supporting Lyra’s fundraiser as her caregivers provide the treatment, veterinary care, and support she needs during this difficult chapter.
- Location
- Tampa, FL • Rags to Riches Animal Rescue Inc
- Species:
- Dog
- Breed:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Age:
- 7 months old
- Sex:
- Female