Natasha Hasn't Known Love in a Long Time, Let's Show Her it Still Exists

We recently received a call from one of our partners asking for urgent help with one of the worst cases of neglect we’ve ever encountered. From the moment we heard her story, everyone at Castaway Critters knew we had to step in.

This is Natasha. She is heartbreakingly thin—emaciated would almost be too generous a word. She moves slowly and is incredibly weak, but she’s still trying her best to walk on her own and give a small tail wag.

After her initial veterinary visit, we learned that Natasha is around six years old and spayed, but she is a devastating 30 pounds underweight. She should weigh at least 90 pounds and currently weighs 60, with no muscle left on her body. On top of her starvation, she is battling Lyme disease, intestinal blockages, and severe ear and skin infections. She has also been chronically dehydrated for so long that her heart has begun to shrink. Her condition required immediate hospitalization, and her first visit resulted in medical bills totaling more than $8,000.

We are doing everything we can to give this sweet girl the care she desperately needs. She is trying so hard, but she still faces a long road of medical treatment and recovery. Right now, she struggles to show interest in food, something her body urgently needs to regain strength. We’ve been coaxing her with rotisserie chicken and potatoes, but it hasn’t been enough. She has since received a feeding tube so she can slowly learn to rely on food again.

Despite everything she’s endured, Natasha continues to learn to trust. She is incredibly affectionate and even closes our laptops to get pets with both hands (A terrible coworker if you ask us 😂). She has learned to enjoy walks and will pace excitedly to the kennel door when she sees our staff coming. She loves exploring outside, sniffing everything she can, including goose poop, and each day, more of her personality begins to emerge.

With time, care, and your support, we believe Natasha can regain her strength and rediscover the playful, happy dog she was always meant to be. Every dollar donated helps cover the overwhelming medical costs we’ve already incurred and the care she still needs. Natasha has been failed by humans before. Now we’re asking you to help us show her that she can trust again.

3/16/26 Update

Thanks to all of your continued support, Natasha has overcome a lot of health obstacles, but she's still fighting. She is now dealing with an ear infection and a bacterial infection called RODS, which has been taking a long time to treat. We cannot express our sincere gratitude for your love and care towards Natasha. Let's help her get to a full recovery!

4/14/26 Update

Thank you to everyone who has supported this sweet girl through a traumatic journey! We are happy to report that Natasha is doing incredibly well and is under the great and loving care of the woman who runs Castaway Critters. This rescue could not have covered the overwhelming amount of bills without you. Thank you for your continued support!