Success Stories
These campaigns reached their goal. Thank you for making it happen.
Nacho
Nacho is a three-year-old Domestic Shorthair cat in Chappell, NE, who needs $703 for burn treatment care.
Chappell, NE • Nebraska Loves Cats
Rescuers work day and night to save pets in need. They invest their time, energy, heart, and soul to get animals medical care and good homes. So when nearly 50 cats died in a devastating fire that broke out at the headquarters of Nebraska Loves Cats, it was unimaginable and soul-crushing. "It is just heart-wrenching," Lori R., from the rescue, tells Waggle. Nacho was one of the few lucky ones. He managed to escape from the fire. The blaze started in a dryer inside a home, which doubled as the base of operations for the rescue. Nacho and other cats lived there and were in foster care. While the fire department was on their way, the woman who lived in the home, and helped run the rescue, started grabbing cats to race them outside to safety. She also ran around the house, breaking all the windows so the cats could escape. "She kept trying to bring all the cats out of the house, but they were scared and would run back inside. Even though the home was on fire, she kept running back in, trying to save them all. Then the police handcuffed her so she could not go back inside because it was so dangerous. The entire situation is so awful," Lori says. Nacho suffered second-degree burns on his feet, and his hair was singed off his face. He's spent weeks at Westfield Small Animal Clinic recovering and receiving IV fluids, pain medication, antibiotics, and hydrotherapy. "We visit him every other day. He's getting a lot of attention." Nebraska Loves Cats really needs donations right now to pay for Nacho's medical care and for the other cats who survived the tragic fire. The grief-stricken rescue also has to rebuild and find a new home and headquarters. Lori says Nacho's outlook is very positive, and he will eventually be up for adoption, but the rescue needs your help to get him back on his paws again. "He is doing great. A true trooper through it all. He is very loving. He deserves a second chance at a new life. With a great new family. He is always purring during all the treatments."
Keely
Keely is an 11-year-old Lab Mix in Fargo, ND, who needs $1,300 for Surgical Repair of Ruptured Ligaments in Knee.
Fargo, ND
We met Keely at a rescue. We had recently lost our beagle, Ben, to prostate cancer. Like many of you, our home is not complete without a canine companion. We fell in love with her at a shelter in MD during a trip in 2010. We discovered she had been poorly treated because she had a scar from what appeared to be a cigarette burn. But she has always trusted us. And we love her. Keely lives in a 3 generation household. It's my husband, my adult daughter, 8 year old grandson and me. Oh, and our cat Ferguson. Who's her favorite? Probably Paul - but honestly, it's really whoever walks her and feeds her. Yeah, she loves the one she's with. She loves chasing balls at the dog park. Sadly, until she has surgery on her knee, no dog park for her at present. We are a three generation household. My husband is unable to work. I work 3 jobs. My daughter works a low-wage job. Keely deserves to go back to the dog park. She can only do that with successful surgery. Keely has ruptured ligaments in one knee. Also a fatty tumor in the same leg (noncancerous). To provide her with freedom from pain and achieve good motion she needs surgery. Our provider - Animal Health Clinic, Fargo, ND vet is Dr. Ness. It will take 8-12 weeks post op for her to begin to bear weight on that let again. Keely loves to be around family. At bedtime, she will go downstairs to sleep by our bed, but after she knows we are sound asleep, she slips back upstairs to sleep on the couch. I think she likes to make sure she is a connection between my husband and me downstairs, and my daughter and grandson who sleep on the third floor. She loves pizza bones (the crusts nobody else wants to eat).
coco
Coco is a 12-year-old Chihuahua in San Antonio, TX, who needs $400 for teeth extraction and labs.
San Antonio, TX
Hello well both parents passed in 2014 had split from my husband and became disabled, so I was very depressed a friend suggested I get a pet. Headed straight to ACS and there he was my knight in shining armor. I was told he had hurt his back and need a home calmer subdued place and not of activity expected of him. That was perfect I'm a cripple he is a cripple PERFECT. So here we are. He is my hero he is up in age so he doesn't like to do much except be by my side every minute of every day. LOL When I put him down from my bed even for a couple of minutes he's whining right away to get up. He is my baby loves for me to hold him so he can snuggle his head up under my neck. At bedtime he snuggles up behind my knees there he is content as could be. There isn't any tragic long story, I split from my husband became disabled. The check I get each month bare covers my bills. There is no extra money to spend on anything. When I first got him I had some regular vet care done on him at that time they pulled some teeth. The vet said tiny dogs like him always have teeth issues, Tried repeatedly to let me brush his teeth but he was having none of that. Now they say all his teeth are bad and need to be pulled you can tell by his behavior that they hurt. When I'm going to give him a treat I ask him to speak first but he gets so excited he'll bounce up and and and shaking all over that no bark will come out no matter how hard he tries. Lord forbid I need to leave the house when I do get back he'll just bark and bark bark will running in circles till I pick him up.
Mowgli
Mowgli is a 5-year-old Siberian Husky in Colorado Springs , CO, who needs $481 for Car Accident Hospitalization.
Colorado Springs, CO
We adopted mowgli over a year ago from a family going through some hardships and was unable to care for him anymore. We call him mow mow, short for mowgli and also mogi ogi. He is very very loved and a spoiled boy, he has 3 little hoomas that love him dearly and he is so protective of them as well ❤ his 2 big hoomas adore his stinken butt and he has a little fur sissy named Lucy. My mow mow is not "just a dog" he is family. Sleeps next to mom every night to make sure I smell his stinky farts lol He loves his weekly adventure walks with our dog sitter and any chance he gets he will steal food from our plates or just give us those big gorgeous puppy eyes. He's a very protective boy over his little hoomans and he gets verbal to make it known. This is a very unexpected financial burden, i am a SAHM living pay check to pay check since my husband is the bread winner. Fortunately we had a bit of savings gathered for emergencies like this but not enough to cover all of it. We are reaching out to get help ASAP Currently Mowgli is being treated at Animal ER Care in Colorado Springs, we transferred him from High Country Vet Hospital so he can have 24hr supervised care. On Thursday May 6th aprx 2:40 pm he was ran over completely by my neighbors SUV. Despite my yells to stop, i was not heard, claim's he didnt see him run into the street. I took him immediately to the hospital & here we are asking for help. His best friend is Lucy, she is a pomeranian mix pup, mowgli has her back through it all ❤ his favorite hoomans are tiny hoomas Aiden, Antonio, & Benjamin and he is a great cuddle bug with mom & dad. We love it when we mess around with the boys and he comes to the rescue. He will definitely make himself known.
Daisy Mae
Daisy Mae is a 12-year-old Beagle in Geneva, OH, who needs $298 for Treatment for Congestive Heart Failure.
Geneva, OH • NE Ohio Greyhound Rescue
Thought to be about 12 years old, Daisy Mae was wandering around in the middle of winter near an area full of puppy mills. The local dog warden picked her up, but no one ever inquired about her. It's likely that she was a puppy mill escapee, or was dumped because she was no longer useful to her previous owners. It also looks as if she had whelped a litter of pups in the not so distant past. Little Daisy Mae is settling into the Sanctuary, and is quickly touching the hearts of everyone she meets. Perfectly well-behaved, this old Beagle models kindness and love and is soaking up love and attention like a sponge. She's one of the sweetest little dogs we've ever cared for and her spirit is an inspiration to us all. We provide sanctuary and lifetime care for those animals that are unadoptable, and rely on donations to give the animals the best care possible. We've already raised funds to cover Daisy's echo/ultrasound, labs and medications. We need funds to cover her CHF treatments. In addition to her other health issues, Daisy developed congestive heart failure and spent some time in the hospital. We knew that her heart was compromised when we took her in. Her back leg swells when her heart is overtaxed and she now takes 6 medications every 12 hours. Dr. Tom Zulandt, of Madison Vet Hospital is overseeing her care. CHF is serious, but Daisy is doing well with treatments. Daisy Mae loves car rides and she's the perfect little passenger, sitting snugly on her caretaker's lap. She's so short that we joke that she needs a booster seat to see out the windows. But, she doesn't seem to mind not being able to see out the window and just lays her head on our arms as we drive through the country.
Lilo
Lilo is a 1-year-old Striped Tabby in Edison, NJ, who needs $2,000 for Brain Surgery due to complications of Hydrocepahlus.
Edison, NJ • SHAHS (Super Hero's Animal Hydrocephalus Society )
Lilo is a 1 yr 11 month, tiny 5.5 lb. failure to thrive kitten with Hydrocephaus & many other disorders, relinquished to the SHAHS sanctuary on 8/17/19 in severe crisis. She was admitted to our hospital & had a human pediatric shunt implanted which failed, so a second was implanted on 10/8/19. The shunt saved her life by draining excess fluid from her brain! She now lives with the Pres. of SHAHS. Lilo lives with 3 humans, 4 Hydro brothers, 5 other special needs cats & 2 senior dogs. She is a silly, loving & pampered little Princess who is doted on 24/7; she demands constant attention! You can always find her in someone's lap or arms, or following mom around screaming to be picked up! She is definitely mommy's little girl, a diva for sure & makes sure everyone knows it! Lilo is a miracle. SHAHS is a nonprofit rescue sanctury operating solely on donations. For the first time, we're struggling due to the Covid Pandemic; we don't have the funds for her surgery! Lilo is the heart & soul of SHAHS & has fought so hard to survive! We aren't going to let her down! Lilo has Hydrocephalus ( aka water on the brain), Syringohydromyelia (excess cerebrospinal fluid pressing/damaging her spinal cord), Syringobulbia (CSF under her brain pressing on brain stem), Megacolon, chronic inflammation of abdominal organs (Triaditis), maxillofacial deformities, bilateral Entropion (repaired), etc. Her neurosurgeon is Eric Glass @ Red Bank Veterinary Hosp, Tinton Falls, NJ. Lilo is an adorable, silly, loyal, loving, one of a kind special needs cat who is incredibly tiny at only 5.5 lbs but has a HUGE personality! She gives kisses on command & is happy spending her day lounging next to mommy on the couch! She plays This Little Piggy on her toes with you & loves when mom plays Do, Re, Mi on her belly! When she's being silly, she flips onto her back for belly rubs
Cocoa
Cocoa is a 1-year-old Mountain Bernese/English Springer Spaniel in Edwardsville, PA, who needs $240 for spay surgery.
EDWARDSVILLE, PA
I received Cocoa in Feb as a rescue. She and her siblings were found in a snowbank during a winter storm. And since I have been looking for a service animal my friend knew she would be perfect. I live in a studio and have 2 cats as well that she loves. She is smart, has golden eyes that make you melt and is very lovable! I live alone so no family members. She still is timid so taking treats from your hand, fetching a ball or a squeaky toy is still very new to her. She does like to go for walks and play tug a war with her leash. And loves to cuddle at night while watching TV or sleeping. I never feel alone knowing she is right by my side. I am disabled on disability, after rent and bills it's hard getting that much money up for her. It would take months for me to even save that. And once she is taken care of I know she will be a much healthier dog! Right now getting her to the vet for her first round of shots, examination and have her spay is the most important thing to me right now. Especially since she will eventually be trained as my service animal due to my mobility problems. I'll be taking her to Trucksville Dog & Cat hospital, Trucksville PA. And Dr Staire is the best in the Valley! Cocoa's eyes light up and ears go up when I even mention a treat. She will sit and give a paw, but still learning other new tricks. Loves her butt rubbed and smiles from ear to ear when done so!! Even if you say, "want to go out?" She starts to smile and get excited! Even if it's just a short walk or to let her listen to.the sou ds outside. She is just so sweet!
Lilly
Lilly is an 11-year-old Calico in North Providence, RI, who needs $2,000 for radical mastectomy.
North Providence, RI
Lilly came into our life in June of 2009. Ever since then, she has been the sweetest, most loveable, cuddly cat one can imagine. Our family loves animals, so we have quite a few. We have another cat, a guinea pig, and a few aquatic animals too! Lilly got her name from a character on a Disney show at the time and she is often called ‘Lil’, ‘Silly Lilly’ or ‘Lily-Bear’ by those of us in the house. Lilly is a very sleepy cat and loves to sleep on anyone in reach. If there is no one to cuddle with, she’s either on her cat tower or the couch. Oddly enough, Lilly loves to play with backscratchers, which she goes crazy for. When she wants something, she will rub against us until we get her what she wants. She loves being pet and her favorite thing is when we brush her hair or scratch her neck. As stated above, this is the second operation Lilly must undergo, within a year. Our family has experienced work loss with Covid spreading through our house just a few months ago. Upon finding out about Lilly's cancer our family has been cutting every corner to save Lilly. Lilly has cancer in her mammary glands for the second time and it can be removed with a guarantee of this cancer not coming back. She was a champ when healing from her first surgery, and we want to give her the same opportunity this time around. It is crucial that Lilly receives treatment asap. She is getting surgery from Ferguson Animal Hospital and Dr. Nicole Deegan is her treating veterinarian. Lilly is a very timid cat, but when she hears a car beep or a siren she jumps up and starts growling. Other than that, she’s a quiet cat and can read everyone really well. She knows when someone is upset and will lay with them until they seem better. She's also a bit chunky, so when she goes to jump somewhere she goes up and down until she thinks she can make it, even if it's the smallest jump.
Starfish
Starfish is a 10-year-old Labrador mix in Huntington, WV, who needs $1,500 for emergency care due to severe neglect.
Huntington, WV • One by One Animal Advocates
One by One Animal Advocates says Starfish was saved from a house of horrors. "An animal control officer (ACO) was called to the house Starfish was living in to do a welfare check," Heather A., from the rescue, tells Waggle. "At first, he wasn't sure if a dog was even present; all he could see was piles of dog feces, trash, and dirty dishes. As he searched the upstairs, he stepped on a rotten board and fell to the floor below. He landed on a couch covered in feces." Despite the terrifying ordeal, the ACO was not hurt and eventually found Starfish hiding in the hideous filth. He took her to the local animal shelter, and soon after, Starfish's owner surrendered the dog to officials. "It's crazy," Heather says. "We have no idea how many years Starfish lived in neglect, but her condition tells us it has been a long time. She is missing a lot of fur, and her skin beneath is leathery. She is covered in fleas and caked in feces. Her toenails have grown so long they curled back into the pads of her feet. Worst of all, she is missing teeth, and the empty spaces are packed with hair and dirt." Sweet Starfish needs emergency care and surgery for her teeth; she is miserable and has trouble eating. The Proctorville Animal Clinic is taking great care of her. Starfish is coming out of her shell a bit since she was rescued, and once she is healthy, Heather thinks Starfish will make a wonderful companion for someone. "We look forward to showing her that life can be good and is meant to be enjoyed, but we need your help. Starfish is only one of many animals we are helping, and we cannot do it without the generosity of the Waggle community!"