Success Stories
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Pasta Litter
The Pasta Litter: Beagle mix puppies in Providence, RI, who need $810 for hernia repair surgery.
Warwick, RI • Rhode Home Rescue
These simply adorable puppies are just waiting to be put up for adoption, but finding their forever homes is on hold because many pups need to have surgery first. Rhode Home Rescue needs your help! The nonprofit group saved these nine Beagle mix pups after they were discovered on a rural property and taken to a shelter. "The staff at the shelter quickly realized something was very wrong. There were large lumps growing in the groin area of two pups, and then the (lumps) started popping up on more and more of the puppies," Chelsea R., from the rescue, tells Waggle. It turns out six of the nine puppies have inguinal hernias, which can be hereditary. The condition causes the contents of their abdomens to protrude into their groin area and needs to be fixed with surgery. "We've never come across that many puppies having inguinal hernias. It makes me sad," Dina M., with the rescue, tells Waggle. "Without an operation, the hernia only gets worse. It's very dangerous and can cause serious symptoms or possibly even death." Dina says COVID-19 has made it a difficult year to fundraise, and they really need some financial help. "Overall donations are down. All of our in-person fundraisers were canceled. Usually, we have our adoption events weekly at pet stores, but because they draw large crowds, we've been asked to wait until things clear up a bit. We haven't had the public exposure we usually do." And if you're wondering why these cute puppies are named the Pasta Litter, it's for creative purposes. The rescue is in charge of naming so many dogs, and they use themes for litters of puppies. This crew includes: Rigatoni, Rotini, Linguini, Farfalle, Gnocchi, Penne, Ziti, Fettuccine, and Ravoli. After their surgery, they'll be up for adoption, and their new owners can keep or change their names, of course.
Joker
Joker is a one-year-old English Pointer mix in Livingston, TX, who needs $1,500 for emergency leg surgery.
Livingston, TX
When Alexandra D. saw a social media post about a litter of puppies abandoned under a house who needed help, she stopped in her tracks. She immediately fell in love with one of the pups. He was light-colored with darling black spots. "He was cute and so adorable," Alexandra tells Waggle. She contacted the person who posted and picked up the puppy who was so young he had to be bottle-fed. "He was super sweet, quiet, and very loving. He took to my four-year-old daughter immediately," Alexandra says. They named the puppy Joker. He went from being a malnourished, discarded dog and blossomed into a wonderful, healthy family member. But just recently, a terrible accident happened-- Joker was hit by a car. Alexandra raced him to the animal emergency room, and X-rays revealed his leg was fractured. He needs immediate surgery at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists. "They need to put in plates and pins," Alexandra says. "Joker can't run or play until he has the operation to mend the bone and recovers. He's liming around a lot. He can't walk very well. He's so little; he is a puppy and wants to play so bad." Alexandra and her family are currently in dire straights financially. They were hit with many unexpected bills. Alexandra can't work right now because she has health issues that make her high-risk if she contracts COVID-19. The family is living off her husband's $11 an hour income. They can't afford Joker's emergency surgery and are asking for help. Think of it like paying it forward; tough times can hit anyone. "We really appreciate it; things are so hard right now. Joker means so much to us. He keeps us happy," Alexandra adds. "He makes everyone around him smile. He is our life companion."
Bug
Bug is a one-year-old Domestic Shorthair cat in Raleigh, NC, who needs $1,800 for emergency hospitalization.
Raleigh, NC • Carolina Cat Rescue
Bug has cheated death twice. First, she made it out of a high kill shelter alive when Carolina Cat Rescue saved her. And most recently, she bravely battled a digestive track issue that left her gravely ill. "She started acting lethargic, and the foster noticed she was leaving bright red puddles of blood on the floor," Karie K., the rescue's director, tells Waggle. "She was dehydrated, vomiting, and could barely lift her head." Karie picked up Bug and brought her to a specialty animal hospital. "The vet said, 'We have never seen anything like this.' The medical team at BluePearl Pet Hospital ran diagnostics, X-rays, and bloodwork," Karie adds. She says Bug's veterinarians believe the poor cat has stress-induced irritable bowel syndrome. She had been through a lot: The trauma of being taken to a crowded, loud animal shelter and then transferred to a new foster home likely really got to her. Bug was already in rough shape when Carolina Cat Rescue first saved her. "She was shut down and she stayed hunkered down in one position. She was scared. We know her life has probably not been the best. She's missing teeth, and her hair was thin and dull," Karie says. Bug was hospitalized for days on IV fluids and antibiotics. Finally, she started to pull through. Now Bug is stable, out of the ER, and doing well-eating prescription food. She transformed into a beautiful, silver-haired, sleek cat with striking eyes. Karie says since Bug is now feeling better, her personality has really started to shine, "Bug talks all the time, and she wags her tail. She swishes it back and forth. She's been a trooper through all of this. She's very chatty and playful and outgoing." Bug will be up for adoption soon in the Raleigh, NC, and Southern, VA areas. The rescue also adopts out some cats in NH through a rescue partner. If anyone is interested in adopting Bug, they will have to commit to feeding her the prescription diet she needs and keeping an eye on her tummy issues. The rescue is thrilled Bug is better, but they need assistance paying off her hospital bills. They hope animal lovers will come to Bug's rescue a third time and donate to help. "We are really grateful to have saved her. She was on death's door," Karie says. "We are so happy we can give her a chance at having a happy life."
Bonnie
Bonnie is a six-year-old Beagle in Huntington, WV, who needs $2,000 for emergency care.
Huntington, WV • One by One Animal Advocates
Bonnie was hit by a car, catapulted into a ditch, left on the side of the road, and could not move. "She was unable to use her back legs, so when she would hear a car drive by, she would use whatever energy she had left to raise her little head begging to be saved. But, not one person stopped to help her," Heather A., with One by One Animal Advocates, tells Waggle. Finally, someone did stop. That person contacted a Good samaritan who called Heather's nonprofit group. "We know for at least six hours she laid in the ditch in pain. She was panting from the heat and dehydration." One by One Animal Advocates scrambled to get Bonnie to the Tri-State Animal ER. She was immediately put on IV fluids, pain medication and had X-rays which revealed she had a broken pelvis. "The swelling from the fracture was compressing her spine," Heather says. "Her entire pelvic floor was broken off and missing." Bonnie remained hospitalized as the medical team continued to evaluate her, even expressing her bladder. Slowly Bonnie is making progress. She's starting to take a few steps--- which are definitely steps in the right direction in her case! "Even after sitting beside the road in tremendous pain for hours, this precious girl still has a big smile on her face. She is eagerly devouring food, causing the vet to speculate she may have laid in the ditch for longer than we were even aware. She is comforted by soft touches, and her tail has not stopped wagging," Heather adds. Heather says so many people drove past Bonnie without giving her a chance; she hopes now the Waggle community will!
Comet
Comet is a one-year-old Domestic Shorthair cat in St. Cloud, FL, who needs $2,000 for leg surgery.
St Cloud, FL • Helping Paws Humane Society
The list of abuse Comet endured is long, but his spirit remained strong despite everything he went through. A woman spotted Comet and saved him. He was limping and had an eye injury. It was clear he had been abused. She contacted Helping Paws Humane Society, who immediately took the cat into their rescue and brought him to the animal hospital. "The vet took X-rays which revealed he had pellets lodged all over his body! In his head, in his eye, in one of his elbows, and in his abdomen. He was limping because his leg was infected and broken in four different places," Karen B., with the rescue, tells Waggle. Comet needs immediate surgery to amputate his leg at Saint Francis Animal Hospital. It's such a mangled mess; unfortunately, there's no orthopedic surgery that can fix it. Comet's eye will also be removed in the future because of the pellet wound. Incredibly, he seems to know he's been saved and is finally in a safe place. He's expected to get around well with three legs. "He's a great cat. He's very affectionate," Karen says. "He is always circling around people's legs the best he can. He's purring all the time." The rescue says they need donations to help Comet get on the road to recovery. "Comet deserves a chance at a great life with a loving family," Karen adds. "Being able to provide him with the medical care and treatment he needs means the world to our volunteers."
Fitz
Fitz is a 8-year-old Golden Retriever in Raleigh, NC, who needs $1,200 for an MRI.
Raleigh, NC
I brought Fitz home as a foster dog through Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue in October of 2018. I knew pretty much immediately that he was the dog for me, and I adopted him one month later on what would turn out to be his 6th birthday. Fitzy lives with myself, my girlfriend Miranda (hi other mom!), his brother Blake and our cat Fergus. Fitz is a goofy, sweet, Velcro dog who just wants to be where his people are. He sleeps next to my bed and will follow me into the bathroom if I let him. He loves to snuggle with Blake and play with the cat. His favorite game is for you to throw a ball and for him to fetch it (but not bring it back). He loves to swim, adventure, and hike and will happily be your companion wherever you want to go. This is a huge and unexpected expense. While we do have a small fund to help us with pet expenses, a $2800 MRI was not in the cards and it will be very difficult to afford. Fitz is my best friend and the best dog I've ever had, and I want to do everything I can for him. Fitz has suddenly developed some kind of neurological issue, beginning initially with a seizure and progressing to a complete personality change. He's never had any history of neurological issues or any other health conditions. He has to have an MRI to determine what kind of neurological issue he might be dealing with. He is being treated at BluePearl by Dr. Miles. Fitz loves to greet you at the door holding a toy, or a leash, or a cardboard box if he can't find anything else. He barks when he's excited, will chase and catch his tail, and LOVES to roll in the sand at the beach. His best friend is our cat, and at the dog park he prefers to make sure he meets every person there rather than play with the other dogs.
Ella
Ella is an eleven-month-old Lab Mix in Austin, TX, who needs $2,000 for emergency leg surgery.
Lewisville, IN • Lucky Lab Rescue & Adoption
Poor Ella! Just when Lucky Lab Rescue and Adoption hoped the pup would catch a break, she got the wrong kind of break; she broke her leg! Now the rescue and Ella really need your help. Lucky Lab saved Ella when she was a young puppy. She got adopted. Months later, Ella was returned to the rescue because she wasn't doing well with a young child in her adoptive home. The rescue arranged for Ella to live with an amazing foster who noticed the petite pup was very shy and timid. Her foster started working with Ella, teaching her to be more confident, even bringing Ella to work so the pup could socialize more with people and pets. Ella started to blossom. She came out of her shell and was just posted for adoption in Austin, Texas. Then a day ago, Ella was hopping out of the car, got tangled in a leash, and landed wrong. She fractured her leg. It was such a terrible injury her bone protruded through her skin. She is stable in the hospital but needs to have a board-certified surgeon fix her leg immediately. "Sometimes these types of fractures can occur during a dog's normal activities. They land just wrong or twist, and it sets things up for the fracture," Cori J., the rescue's medical director, tells Waggle. After Ella is all fixed up, she will be available for adoption again in the Austin area. She is wonderful with other dogs and people, still shy at times, but she will be your very best friend within minutes. She would do best in a home with adults, or adults with older kids, and a confident dog pal or two. She only weighs 30 pounds, so she would fit right into a pack. "Lucky Lab Rescue and Adoption is a nonprofit organization that refuses to turn down any dog because they need medical care," Cori says. "Luckily, with amazing groups like Waggle helping us, we can save dogs who need help. Thank you to all those who help us heal our sweet Ella. She has lots of love and life to give her future family."
Arlo
Arlo is a four-year-old Pitbull mix in Moab, UT, who needs $2,000 for emergency leg surgery.
Moab, UT • Underdog Animal Rescue and Rehab- Moab
No one knows what Arlo's life was like before Underdog Rescue saved him, but it was clear he had been through a lot of trauma. His sweet face was covered with scars, and one of his back legs was fractured. "We don't know how the injury happened. It was pretty horrific and severe," Chiara S., with the rescue, tells Waggle. Arlo was in pain and struggling to get around with the terrible wound. He needed surgery immediately to fix it at Mill Creek Animal Hospital. "We're not sure what would have happened to Arlo if Underdog didn't step in to rescue him," Chiara says. "Underdog was faced with a $2,000 surgery to fix his leg, and we didn't even blink. This boy deserves another chance to run on all fours, play comfortably with other dogs, and jump onto the couch for snuggle time." Underdog Rescue is a nonprofit organization that depends on donations to help the more than 1400 dogs the group has saved from the Four Corners reservations of the American Southwest. They help provide medical care, spay and neuter resources, and adoption services while supporting Native Americans in the care of their animals. Arlo was found in Colorado on the Ute Mountain Reservation. Chiara says his soulful eyes and his story inspire her and other rescue members to continue their amazing work. "It's motivation to keep fighting for these animals. We never turn a dog away because of their medical needs. We are a small rescue that relies on our supporters to help us through emergency medical cases," she says. If you can donate to help Arlo get back on his feet again, he would be so appreciative. Once he is fixed up, he will be available for adoption and hopes to finally find his forever family. "Arlo makes sure to communicate his feelings through moans, groans, whines, and whimpers," Chiara adds. "He is a mellow office dog and will be a great companion. Arlo is a sweet boy from the reservation, and (with your help!) he will fight to see another tail-wagging day."
Acorn
Acorn is a three-year-old Dachshund mix in Dallas, TX, who needs $1,400 for jaw surgery.
Dallas, TX • Pooch Savers Rescue
Poor Acorn! He's suffering with a broken jaw and needs your help. Pooch Savers Rescue nabbed the adorable Dachshund mix from an extremely high kill shelter in Texas -- just in time. He was listed as a medical case and was not available for adoption to the public. His options were limited. When the rescue's Scott B. met Acorn, he knew they made the right decision. "He is so sweet despite all the pain he was in. He was not despondent or unapproachable; he was loving as can be." He rushed Acorn to see Dr. Shaffer at Veterinarians Dental, where X-rays revealed some shocking news: Acorn's lower jaw bone was broken in two places, making it painful even to eat. He needs several surgeries to fix his jaw using synthetic bone to help mend it back together. Scott tells Waggle that Acorn's prognosis is incredibly optimistic. After he is fixed up, he will be available for adoption. "We think he's got a lot to offer judging from his temperament and spirit. We know if we can get him pain-free and put back together, he will make someone's family complete." Pooch Savers Rescue has saved more than 500 dogs, and they need your help to save another 500. "We started Pooch Savers because we were moved to action by the crisis in Texas shelters. This catastrophe takes the lives of thousands of innocent dogs every year," Lisa B., president and founder of the rescue, tells Waggle. The rescue doesn't turn down dogs who need medical assistance, but they can only do that with your help.