Backwoods Barkers Rescue
Campaigns
Fritz
Fritz Survived the Streets — Help Us Treat His Heartworm
Gladewater, TX • Backwoods Barkers Rescue
When Backwoods Barker received a call about a stray mom dog and her puppies in rural Kemp, Texas — about an hour and a half away — we expected a simple rescue mission. But when we arrived, our hearts sank. There weren’t just a few dogs. There were fourteen. The house had been abandoned, and the dogs had been left behind to fend for themselves in the middle of nowhere. Kind community members had been leaving food and water when they could, but the conditions were heartbreaking. Several dogs were trapped in a pen we could barely access, surrounded by what looked like years of feces buildup. One elderly female had a broken jaw, and we were told that several dogs had already been hit by cars and killed before help was finally called. To make matters even harder, the rescue happened during a rare East Texas ice storm, making every drive dangerous and every trap attempt more difficult. What we thought would be a quick rescue turned into three weeks of trapping efforts. Another rescue stepped in to help, and together we slowly brought the survivors to safety. Fritz was the very last dog we caught. This sweet 18-month-old chocolate Schnauzer mix had likely had very little human contact before his rescue. Despite everything he endured — abandonment, freezing temperatures, and surviving on his own — Fritz is now safe and beginning to learn what it means to be cared for. But his journey isn’t over yet. After his rescue, Fritz tested heartworm positive, a sadly common condition for dogs who have been forced to live outdoors without protection or veterinary care. Heartworm disease is serious and potentially fatal, but the good news is that treatment can save his life. The challenge is that heartworm treatment is expensive, and after weeks of rescuing and providing medical care for multiple dogs from this property, our resources are stretched thin. Fritz survived abandonment. He survived freezing temperatures. He survived life completely on his own. Now he just needs help to get healthy. Please consider donating toward Fritz’s heartworm treatment so he can finish his recovery and finally have the loving forever home he has always deserved. Every donation — no matter the size — brings Fritz one step closer to a safe, happy future. Thank you for helping us give this brave survivor the second chance he’s waited so long for.
Ash
Loyal Ash Beat the Streets — Now He Needs Heartworm Treatment to Start His New Life
Gladewater, TX • Backwoods Barkers Rescue
Ash is a 6-year-old cattle dog mix whose loyalty is something truly special. When we went to a neighborhood known for stray dogs to rescue a Great Pyrenees, we found one — but he wasn’t alone. Standing faithfully beside him was a chunky cattle dog mix who refused to leave his friend’s side. Every time we tried to bring the Pyrenees to the car, Ash stepped in front of us as if to say, \\\_“If he goes, I go.”\\\_ So both dogs came with us. Neighbors later told us the two had been surviving together on the streets for at least two years, relying on each other to get by. Both boys entered the care of Backwoods Barkers Rescue, where they stayed together in foster care for several months. Recently, Ash’s best friend — now named Arlo — found a wonderful home in Canada. But Ash’s journey isn’t over yet. Shortly after, Ash was diagnosed with heartworm disease, a serious and potentially fatal infection that affects a dog’s heart and lungs if left untreated. He received his first heartworm injection on March 3rd and will need two more injections in the coming weeks to complete the lifesaving treatment. While staying in foster care during treatment, Ash has shown just how special he is. He’s incredibly sweet, gentle, great with other dogs, and friendly with everyone he meets. One of our rescue partners even nicknamed him “Lover Boy.” Ash survived years on the streets and watched his best friend leave for a new life. Now it’s his turn. Your donation will help cover the cost of Ash’s heartworm treatment so this loyal boy can finally get healthy and find the loving home he deserves. Every contribution helps give Ash the second chance he’s been waiting for.
Dinky and Donkey
From an Electric Substation to a Second Chance — Help These Brothers Survive
Gladewater, TX • Backwoods Barkers Rescue
For over a month, these two brothers called an electric substation home. Through storms, loud transformers, and constant danger, they never left each other’s side. If one moved, the other followed. If one rested, the other curled up close. Their bond was the only safety they knew. Kind people in the area fed them while they tried to survive. Eventually, a compassionate woman was able to catch them and bring them into foster care. For the first time, they felt a soft bed. Gentle hands. Love. But their story didn’t get easier. When their foster could no longer keep them, she made the heartbreaking decision to take them to a shelter to be euthanized. Two young, bonded brothers — whose only crime was being unwanted — were hours away from losing their lives. That’s when Backwoods Barkers Rescue stepped in. They pulled the boys to safety just in time. Now, these sweet brothers have a real chance at life — but they both tested positive for heartworms. Heartworm disease is serious and, if left untreated, fatal. The treatment process is long, carefully monitored, and expensive. It includes multiple veterinary visits, injections, medications, and strict crate rest to keep their hearts safe while the worms die off. Without treatment, they won’t survive. Without treatment, they can’t be adopted. They have already survived the streets. They have already escaped euthanasia. Now they need us to help them win the final battle. Please consider donating today to fund their life-saving heartworm treatment. No amount is too small. If you can’t give, sharing their story could save their lives. They survived an electric substation together. They survived being discarded together. Let’s help them survive heartworm — together. Please donate now and give these bonded brothers the healthy future they deserve.