Success Stories
These campaigns reached their goal. Thank you for making it happen.
Sir Don
Sir Don is a three-month-old Heeler puppy in St. Clairsville, OH, who needs $2,000 for critical care.
St Clairsville, OH • The Road Home Animal Project
*The Waggle Foundation is dedicated to helping sick and injured pets regain good health. If you join our FurEver Fund today, Waggle will DOUBLE your first month's donation and apply it directly to Sir Don's care. Click the blue donate button and choose the Monthly Donation option.* Sir Don was so sick he was on the verge of death. His owner faced the bleak option of euthanizing the puppy because he could not afford his medical care. That's when the Road Home Animal Project heard about Sir Don. "Sir Don was brought into our vet's office, which was closed. We just happened to be there when the owner showed up with a puppy that had a blood sugar level that didn’t even register because it was so low. He was also hypothermic with a temp of 93 degrees. (A dog's normal temp is 101 to 102.5) The owner surrendered because he could not care for the pup," the rescue tells Waggle. The organization says the owner told them, "This pup was from a very rural area, and all of the puppies die at his place." The group admitted the dying puppy to New Horizon Animal Hospital. The medical team believes he may be suffering from distemper. A very deadly virus. "Sir Don is just now starting to have enough energy to lay and squeak a toy the vet just gave him," the rescue group says. "He will cry and whine and bark at the vet staff so they will pay attention to him. He wants the staff to pick him up and hold him but still being in isolation means he cannot be held the way they would like." He is the only puppy who survived in his litter. "He is improving and gradually was able to sit up after days of being too weak even to lift his head. He has finally started to eat, and we shared the video of his first bites of chicken after days and days of being in the ICU isolation unit at our vet's office," the rescue adds. The rescue has rung up a huge bill trying to save Sir Don's life with round-the-clock care and hospitalization. Fighting economic euthanasia is Waggle's mission, and we're all hoping you can support it too by giving to this sweet pup's campaign. "Sir Don's owner was not financially able to cover costs for his medical care," the rescue says. "He was unselfish and avoided euthanasia. He signed Sir Don over to us so he would have a chance at possibly saving his life."
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is a one-year-old Domestic Shorthair cat in Huntington, WV, who needs $600 for emergency surgery.
Huntington, WV • One by One Animal Advocates
Brooklyn had several brushes with death that were so severe she may be pushing her nine lives! She got brought to a shelter as a mama cat with her litter of newborn kittens. Brooklyn was malnourished, emaciated, and suffering from a horrendous respiratory infection. Then in a heartbreaking turn of events, all her babies passed away. Brooklyn stayed at the shelter to recover both physically and mentally. Then one day, she began struggling to breathe. The staff took her for an X-ray and learned she needed extensive surgery that a county shelter could not afford. They contacted One By One Animal Advocates, who came to Brooklyn's rescue. "We knew she was in extreme distress," Heather A., from the nonprofit group, tells Waggle. "To see video of her gasping for breath clued us in that we were in a quick fight for her life." They raced the Tabby cat to Proctorville Animal Hospital, where the medical team discovered Brooklyn's condition was far worse than anyone knew. She had likely been hit by a car *before* she came to the shelter. The trauma created an opening in her body that allowed her stomach, liver, small intestine, and even a portion of her large intestine to migrate into her lung cavity. Her organs were crushing her lungs. Brooklyn was starting to suffocate from the pressure and was moments away from dying. "The fear was that some of her organs would start to attach to the cavity wall, having been up there so long. If they were unable to separate them, they would have had to have let her go on the table. It was very touch-and-go and frightening. She had already suffered being hit by a car, losing her kittens, and then fighting to live. We wanted to do everything we could," Heather says. The rescue group hopes to raise enough money to pay off Brooklyn's medical bills. Then finally, she will have a shot at a happy, pain-free life."We are often asked to help animals in severe medical crises," Heather adds. "We are just so thankful for the Waggle community and their support."
Lilly
Lilly is a four-month-old Labrador mix puppy in Dallas, TX, who needs $500 for emergency hospitalization.
Dallas, TX • Pooch Savers Rescue
When the phone rings at Pooch Savers Rescue, they never know what emergency will be on the other line. And their latest call resulted in the nonprofit organization taking in a pup fighting for her life. "We were contacted by a woman who claimed she found a pup and couldn't keep her," Scott B., from the rescue, tells Waggle. "Then she said the pup was throwing up and had diarrhea. We immediately had her bring the dog to a veterinarian that we paid for." The pup, now called Lilly, tested positive for Parvo. A potentially fatal virus that is preventable with a vaccine. "My heart just sunk," Scott says. "There's no cure or medication for Parvo. All you can give is supportive care. It's so inexpensive to get a dog vaccinated. That's what is so frustrating to us." The rescue transferred Lilly to the Veterinary Emergency Group. Her best chance for survival was to be hospitalized 24/7. Now she's in a fight for her life. "If there had been a delay starting her treatment, it could have been much worse," Scott adds. "They put a feeding tube in just in case things went South. We are very worried. It just makes you sick." Lilly's round-the-clock care will run up a tab costing thousands of dollars. Pooch Savers hope pet lovers out there will help them come to Lilly's rescue by giving to her fundraising campaign. "If there's a chance a dog can be saved, we'll go the extra mile," Scott says. "She is a four-month-old puppy. We needed to pull out all the stops. We want to say a big thank you to anyone who donates!"
Molly
Molly is a 6-year-old Beagle in Kingsport, TN, who needs $50 for General Office Visit.
Kingsport, TN
I got Molly about 6 years ago. She is my emotional support dog and is more than a pet, she's family. She is pregnant and is due any day now. About a month ago, she started coughing, like she has a tickle in her throat. It has progressed in the last week and the other bday and this morning, I noticed sprays of blood. I called her Veterinarian and the office visit is $50, in which I don't have. She is the best emotional support dog. She sleeps by my side every night. She loves every one she comes in contact with. She has such an amazing personality and demeanor about her. She loves to be outside, running around and just having a good time. She is a gentle soul and has never hurt anybody. She has a brother beagle and a sister rat terrier and they are her best friends. Molly is definitely the big sister type! She cares and nurtures her 4 legged siblings. She is a tad bit overweight but she is still a ball of fun!! When I come in from work, she's waiting by the door and just hops around with excitement. She's right at 60 days pregnant and is coughing all the time now and I have noticed sprays of blood on the bed and in her water dish. She's been like this for almost a month now and I am even more worried than I was when it first started. It breaks my heart to see her like this. I need to get her to the veterinarian soon. I am recently divorced and pay child support to my ex-husband. I currently live in an extended stay hotel and pay $225/week ($900 mthly). I barely get by. I don't have any emergency money put away. I would be lost without her if something were to happen.
Sheba
Sheba is a two-year-old German Shepherd in Huntington, WV, who needs $2,000 for urgent care.
Huntington, WV • One by One Animal Advocates
How much do you think the average-sized German Shepherd weighs? 70 pounds? 80 pounds? Not 36 pounds! But sadly, that's how much Sheba weighed when One By One Animal Advocates saved her. Sheba's owner could no longer care for her and wanted to give her up. When Sheba came to a local shelter for an evaluation, the shelter's director called One By One for help. "She said she was sick to her stomach when she saw this dog because she was so emaciated. As she was calling me, the shelter's animal behaviorist messaged me in capital letters, 'SHE IS EMACIATED! HORRIBLE," Heather A., from One By One, tells Waggle. Heather immediately sent the dog to the Proctorville Animal Clinic. "We were unsure if her condition was from the owner being unable to care for her or if there was an underlying illness. She is a two-year-old female German Shepherd who weighed 36 pounds! Not even half of what she should weigh," Heather says. The medical team immediately went to work on Sheba. They worried she was so malnourished she could go into organ failure. They started her on supplements, antibiotics, and prescription foods. They ran tests for many illnesses. Sheba tested positive for two tickborne diseases, Lyme and Ehrlichia, and she had low vitamin B12. She had to have four meals a day and in limited quantities, spaced out, so her system didn't get overwhelmed. But something is still hindering Sheba's digestive system. She needs more tests and a possible intestinal biopsy. Now One By One is trying to raise the money to pay for this sweet girl's care and testing. "What strikes me the most about Sheba is despite her really terrible condition; her ribs were sticking out, her hips were sticking out, her shoulders were sticking out, yet she wasn't defeated," Heather says. "The vet techs were hugging her, and she was filled with such hope." Please keep hope alive for Sheba, who needs your help!
Harley
Harley is a 4-year-old Greyhound in Greenacres, FL, who needs $2,000 for Lobectomy.
Greenacres, FL
Harley was a racetrack greyhound for the first few years of her life. During the start of the covid pandemic, most tracks in our area closed down and many dogs were displaced. My wife and I went to a local rescue to try and help a dog in need. We brought our infant with us. As soon as Harley saw us, she walked passed me, passed my wife, and started to lick our infants toes - causing him to giggle. Today, Harley has become an incredible member of the household. She has been with us 2 years now. She wants to be near us all the time, she is quiet and well mannered, and while our little dogs (Italian Greyhounds) try to harass her, she is always gentle. She watches over our son and is very aware that my wife is soon to have our second baby. Harley is a beautiful animal. Her personality is soothing and her face is sweet and gentle. Whenever new people come into her life, she nuzzles them and treats them kindly. She is a hungry girl! She eats more than ten dogs. But mostly, she likes to sleep. Her running days are long behind her and she wants to lounge. Harley was recently diagnosed with a malignant lung tumor. She is only 4 years old. Right now, she is asymptomatic and the doctor believes we have caught the tumor early enough for surgery to save her life. She will need extensive, invasive lung surgery. The hospital is Coral Springs Animal Hospital. I am a simple high school teacher, and my wife is about to be on unpaid maternity leave. We have four dogs and by next week, two babies. Harley's surgery will cost upwards of $10,000.
Harper
Harper is a 2-year-old Lab Mix in Mills River, NC, who needs $2,000 for Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy.
Mills River, NC
After four years of marriage without a companion, my husband and I decided it was time. Our little bundle of joy was born June 9th, 2019 as a result of her dad having a short sleepover at his grandmas. She immediately filled the void and what a fun 2 years it has been! We have enjoyed spoiling her like our own flesh and blood. Harper LOVES to swim! She loves to be scratched and has perfected her pity party when you stop. She LOVES when her Ninny and Pap come visit. She LOVES her “little” brother (GSD/Mastiff) twice her size. She has such a sweet and loving soul. She clings to her mom. She is an amazing protector and knows exactly how to handle each situation that needs her protection. Harper always knows what’s needed, weather it’s licking your tears away, snuggling after a long hard day or talking back in conversation. However, she needs the favor returned if she hears fireworks or thunder. She is such a thankful dog, she will literally come and thank you with a kiss or a smile after doing any small task for her. She truly is our earthly angel! Harper has partially torn her ACL which has steadily decreased her quality of life. Even with around the clock pain medication, the pain has prevented her from doing the things she loves and we want our two year old to feel like herself again! We found a wonderful surgeon - Dr. Crouch at Western Carolina Veterinary Surgery in Arden, NC to perform a TPLO to get our baby back to normal. A recent medical diagnosis requiring many visits to the doctor and unexpected hospital visits, infusions, lab work, etc and an unfortunate chain of events due to the pandemic we stretched ourselves thin. Having Harper back to full function will continue to help us pull through!
Sylvester
Sylvester is a ten-year-old Domestic Shorthair cat in Huntington, WV, who needs $2,000 for emergency care and surgery.
Huntington, WV • One by One Animal Advocates
It's hard to believe anyone could leave this tuxedo-wearing kitty behind -- but that's exactly what happened to Sylvester. His owner moved, locked him out of the house, and took off. Sylvester went from living inside to living outside and fending for himself. He survived for a while on his own but one day, a neighbor noticed Sylvester looked filthy, ragged, and his jaw was stuck open. They called One By One Animal Advocates. "They told us he smelled like death," Heather A., with the nonprofit group, tells Waggle. "Since his mouth was stuck open, he could not groom himself. So he was disheveled and dirty. He was having a tough time breathing. He couldn't eat. He couldn't drink. He'd lost weight." One By One arranged for Sylvester to go to the animal hospital. The medical team found he had sores on his tongue, rotted teeth, and a severe upper respiratory infection. But more puzzling, he did not have a broken jaw. Sylvester was admitted to the ER and put on IV pain medications and fluids since he could not eat. He was in such terrible shape it took a week for him to become stable enough for surgery at the Proctorville Animal Hospital. The veterinarian removed some bad teeth, and now Sylvester can eat, but he's still having trouble drinking because he can't close his mouth. Veterinarians think Sylvester is suffering from trismus, a condition causing his jaw to lock up. They're running more tests to try to find out the cause. The good news is now Sylvester is doing much better. He's chowing down on canned food at his foster home. When his bowl is empty, he swats at his foster mom to get more. Now One By One is trying to fundraise to pay Sylvester's hospital bills. When Heather learned about his case, she had to make fast decisions to save him. "He looked like he didn't have a lot of time. He tried to make it for as long as he could. It was pretty shocking." Sylvester is one of those animal rescue situations that makes you say, "People stink!" But now you have a chance to be one of the good guys! And help this sweet cat live happily ever after.
Maddie
Maddie is a three-year-old Retriever mix in Blakeslee, PA, who needs $2,000 for emergency care.
Blakeslee, PA
Maddie went from being a fun-loving, playful Labrador mix to being paralyzed, on oxygen, a feeding tube, and battling for her life in an ICU emergency room because she contracted tetanus. Tetanus bacteria live in soil and produce a toxin that attacks the nervous system. It's very rare for dogs to get it, but if they do, they can develop paralysis of the respiratory muscles and die. It's so dangerous people get vaccinated against tetanus, but there’s no vaccination for dogs. Maddie's family is overwhelmed with grief and struggling to continue paying for her round-the-clock care. "Maddie has been getting care in the Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital since May 3," Barbara S., Maddie's human mom, tells Waggle. "She also has developed pneumonia. If she survives tetanus, she can go back to being a healthy, happy three-year-old dog." Barbara and her family created this campaign, hoping you will help them see Maddie through this totally unexpected crisis. "I am 62 and had to take early Social Security due to rheumatoid arthritis," Barbara says. "My husband is a truck driver. This year, we have been helping my daughter financially and physically move to another more appropriate home that is safe for her and my two grandchildren. What little savings we had went to that." Maddie, who Barbara adopted when she was just 13 weeks old, means so much to their family. "Maddie is the sweetest dog ever," Barbara says. "She has a special love for my nine-year-old granddaughter, Hannah. Maddie gets so excited when my husband comes home from work. He gets down on his knees to greet her, and she licks his bald head and puts her paws on his shoulders. We love Maddie so much and can't bear to lose her."