Success Stories
These campaigns reached their goal. Thank you for making it happen.
Ruby
Ruby is a 3-year-old Hound mix in Norwalk, CT, who needs $2,000 for emergency surgery to extract adult heart worms.
Norwalk, CT • Pet Animal Welfare Society
Ruby is a super sweet, petite 3 year old Hound/Cur mix who came to PAWS from a shelter in South Carolina. PAWS is a no-kill animal shelter located in Norwalk, CT dedicated to the rescue and adoption of homeless and abused dogs and cats. PAWS is taking in heartworm positive dogs from the south to help them get healthy and find a loving home. Ruby is a very social and calm girl who likes people and loves to give kisses. She was picked up as a stray and is looking forward to settling down with a family that loves her. Can you imagine this beautiful dog searching for food and shelter? Ruby has big beautiful eyes that stare up at you when petted. She is such a sweetie! Everyone loves her! PAWS' mission is to take in the neediest animals and give them a second chance at health, happiness, and love. Taking in the neediest animals comes with financial challenges. Please help PAWS continue to take in animals that need critical social/emotional/medical needs! Removal of such high numbers of worms help eliminate the obstruction. As such, pets that are gravely ill at presentation can return to normal within days after successful worm extraction. PAWS will continue to support her as she undergoes additional heartworm treatment. Ruby is now looking forward to connecting with a family and enjoying many years of joy and love. Ruby's hopes for a forever family were interrupted by the discovery of advanced stage heartworm disease. Ruby went through emergency surgery to remove the adult worms that were causing an obstruction in her heart. The surgeon even counted how many heartworms were surgically removed – a record 146 worms!
Bodie
Bodie is a 10-year-old Samoyed in Cardiff by the Sea, CA, who needs $1,800 for removal of cancerous limb followed by chemo.
Cardiff by the Sea, CA
Bodie came to live with me when he was 3 months old. A big soft ball of fluff. He very quickly became a beloved part of my little family. Soon he was great friends with my older dog, and also my two kitties. He was always very gentle. He loved to meet new friends, and especially loved to have children that we would meet on walks stop to pet him. When I’m watching TV he sits next to me batting me with his paw so that I will give him pets. If he does lay down there beside me, every few minutes he sits up, gives me a kiss and rests his head on my shoulder for a few minutes, they lays down again. Bodie goes to bed when I do. He gets up on my bed with me, and stays there until he just get to warm, then he moves to the tile floor. I live solely on social security. This is an incredible challenge to provide the care he needs on my limited income, but I will do everything I can to keep my best friend with me & keep him comfortable as long as possible. When my vet showed me the X-ray, & said the dreaded words “bone cancer” I crumpled in tears, Bodie was nearby and was concerned by my crying. He tried to comfort me. That’s the way he is. He is only 10. His father lived to be almost 15, so this diagnosis was a shock. We were referred to oncologist David Proulx, DVM DACVR, DACVIM. We are seeking treatment to keep him comfortable as long as we can Bodie has a favorite toy. It’s a big soft, fuzzy duck that “honks” and squeaks. He loves to bring it to me squeaking it. It’s like he’s saying “See my duck? You can look, but you can’t touch it!.” This teasing game never gets old. He’s really good at making it squeak. He also likes to greet visiting guests with his duck, trying to entice their interest
Odin
Odin is a 6-year-old Shetland Sheep in Charlotte, NC, who needs $351 for testing, diagnostics and treatment.
Charlotte, NC
Odin is a Shetland Sheep dog, and the third of his breed for whom I’ve been a guardian. I named him Odin for two reasons, one is he has one blue eye (as does the Asgardian/Norse mythology god). The second is that his predecessor was named Loki, I am big into Roman/Norse/Greek mythology. My neighbors told me I need to get another Shetland to help me through the loss, and give a new dog a good home. Odin loves his 1.5 mile walks, and crashed with his head on my shoulder for sleep. His little paws just straight the dream chase sequence right away. I’ve woken up in the middle of the night, he is facing the door on his back and all his legs just sticking up in the air. I gentle sit up and rub his chest. Odin is a character, he loves catching toys mid-air. i have to retrieve and toss again. My mom had two strokes, broken arm at joint. Had to quit, spent last 3 yrs going back & forth to Florida taking full time care of her and house. Finally got in-house State care approved. Burnt through all savings and in full time manic job search. Lost out 3 jobs due virus. Odin needs shots, medicine and overdue for his medical exam, checking for Canine SC, CBC, T4, UA, HWAG and Fecal. He needs his BiAnnual Exam, also overdue. Vaccines he needs are Rabies, Canine Distemper, Vanguard 3 Intranasal Bord, Para, Adenov &, Leptospirosis 4. He goes to The Carolinas Animal Hospital & Dental Clinic, Charlotte, NC. It is killing me that I can't help. Odin’s favorite friend is Hector, see pic of the two of them at a friends house. Hector is 100 lbs and Odin 30 lbs, and both chase each other. They also share a couch, which is the one thing Hector doesn’t care for and Odin looks at him, with a look stating; what are you going to do about this? Hector just goes to his corner and has a sad look stating; I can’t believe he is on my couch.
Teddy
Teddy is a 0-year-old Pekinese/Corgi/Spaniel mix in San Jose, CA, who needs $2,000 for complicated hysterectomy.
San Jose, CA
Theodore Ruxpin, known as Teddy, joined our family 12/19. The kids and I were so excited to adopt this sweet pup into our home! My children's father and I have been going through a divorce and moving out of our family home and leaving behind my beloved hound (a rescue and a big part of my life since 2009) left a big pup-shaped hole in my heart. Welcoming Teddy into our lives has been a joy! Teddy is my shadow - everywhere I go, he goes! He's full of silly puppy antics, from chasing (and catching!) his tail, bobbing for ice cubes in his water dish, and rousing games of fetch and tug. He especially loves to romp around the backyard with his two small human family members! He also loves to explore the forest and recently discovered the joy of the beach. We love our pet dearly. As the single mother of 2 children, and the 2nd surgery estimated to cost between $3,300-$4,300, I am hard-pressed to afford the care he needs. It's been hard watching the suffering and I know if I can't get this done, the infections will continue. In the 2 months we've had Teddy, I've rushed him to the vet 2x for severe bladder infections and straining during defecation. It turns out, Teddy is a rare type of hermaphrodite and has/had both sets of reproductive organs. The uterus in this non-binary pup of mine has been the cause of the repeat infections. The first vet failed at the hysterectomy and has referred us to a specialist. Teddy is the sweetest little pup. Despite coming from a rescue organization and more than one foster home, he is full of love for all humans and furry creatures he meets. He greets everyone with a wag and a smile, and if it is a known loved one he's greeting, he lets out the cutest excited little howls and brings a gift of the nearest toy (or sock!) that he can find.
Jett
Jett is a 12-year-old Labrador Retriever in West Monroe, LA, who needs $1,808 for CHOP.
West Monroe, LA
Jett is my boy, my baby, my best friend. He is 90lbs of Labrador love. He’s a handsome 12 year old guy with a sweet & playful puppy spirit, He brings so much, joy, love & companionship to my life. He’s the most loyal creature I’ve ever known. He has a pleasant demeanor & a gentle, calming spirit. His favorite activities are playing ball & walking in the neighborhood. He loves his chuckit balls!! We play ball inside of the house & outside. Or whatever the chosen toy is. And anyone who comes to visit has to throw the ball for Jett. He has gained attention from the neighborhood kids who absolutely adore him. They call his name and his tail starts wagging & sometimes he’ll even give them a big toothy grin. It warms my heart knowing the joy that Jett brings to everyone, from young to elder. On 10/26/20 Jett was diagnosed with epithelialotropic lymphoma of the mouth. If untreated, the mass will get bigger, bleed, become painful, interfere with chewing until he stops eating completely. My goal is to help my boy achieve remission & live with dignity. Thank you. Shortly after getting Jett, I bought our first home. It’s where we still reside today. We love being in the comfort of our home. Life with him has never been dull. He’s been my personal alarm clock from day one. I miss him when I leave & love seeing him when I get home. He’s so glad to see me, too!! I tell him everyday how much I love him & give him lots of kisses. He loves his chin scratched. I read somewhere recently that dogs need to pick their owners, instead of owners picking the dog. Funny story, Jett was never intended to be mine. He belonged to someone else briefly. They came to visit one day when Jett was just a few months old. Jett & I played & When they were leaving, I said “bye Jett”. He jumped out of the car window & ran to me. He was mine from then on. It was sweet.
Zelda
Zelda is a two-year-old Domestic Shorthair cat in Huntington, WV, who needs $566 for the treatment of leg injuries.
Huntington, WV • One by One Animal Advocates
Sometimes in life, a good Samaritan happens to be at the right place at the right time, and luckily, a hero crossed paths with Zelda. A woman was driving to work when she caught a glimpse of a cat struggling on the side of the road. She stopped, turned her car around, and picked up the animal, who appeared to have been hit by a car. The cat could not walk; her back legs would not move. The woman contacted One by One Animal Advocates, who immediately took in the cat and got her to the animal hospital. "I'm most appreciative of the people who go out of their way to help," Heather A. with the nonprofit organization tells Waggle. They named the cat Zelda. X-rays revealed the cat had no broken bones, and though she had feeling in her legs, she could not walk. The medical team at the Proctorville Animal Clinic is treating Zelda with steroids, and she's showing improvement. "We are hoping she will return to normal maybe in about six months. She's now able to stand on her own. We're hoping it will be successful," Heather says. If the steroid treatment does not work, One by One Animal Advocates will enlist help to get Zelda placed with a cart to help get around--- she will be taken care of no matter what. "Here is a cat who had no one to speak for her. I feel good we are able to be her family. She's our cat now, and we'll make sure she gets all the care she needs," Heather adds. One by One Animal Advocates takes in animals from local shelters, strays, and pets given up by their owners. The group doesn't adopt out the animals; they fix them up, get them into foster care and then transfer the dogs and cats to their trusted rescue group partners. "We consider ourselves the bridge from homelessness to forever home. We give whatever care they need so they can move on. When we take on an animal, we take on all their care," Heather says. Since the organization has no adoption fees or income, they have to fundraise to pay for all their animals' medical bills. They're hoping some more good Samaritans will come forward and donate to Zelda's campaign and help get her on the road to recovery or on the road with some new wheels!
Cupid
Cupid is a 3-year-old Domestic Shorthair cat in Durham, NC, who needs 1,630 for dental surgery.
Durham, NC
I first started fostering Cupid from the Watauga Humane Society back in November of 2019. He was suffering from an acute upper respiratory infection and I knew a loving home would be the best place for him to heal. It took him a while but he started feeling better and showing his spunky personality! I fell in love--with him and my new friend Michael, whom I met only 3 days after taking Cupid in. Cupid is our sweet angel and I credit him with bringing Michael and I together!
Lilo
Lilo is a one-year-old Tabby cat in Edison, NJ, who needs $2,000 for brain surgery.
Edison, NJ • SHAHS (Super Hero's Animal Hydrocephalus Society )
Super Hero's Animal Hydrocephalus Society has one mission: To help kittens and cats with hydrocephalus, a dangerous condition where fluid builds up in the brain, and medical attention is needed immediately. "We are the only disease-specific rescue in the world that deals specifically with hydrocephalus," Lisa J., president of the rescue, tells Waggle. "Many people think it's a hopeless disorder, and the best thing you can do is euthanize the animal. We have found that is the furthest thing from the truth. Many cats with this disorder can live full lives." The rescue needs help raising money to help their dear, sweet Lilo. She was born to a family that had a litter of kittens. Immediately they could tell Lilo needed medical help. She was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, and the family attempted to keep up her care, even syringe and bottle feeding. When Lilo's medical bills became unaffordable, they surrendered her to the rescue. "She was in severe crisis. The pressure in her head was spiking," Lisa says. Lilo has had many surgeries to help with her condition and, most recently, a procedure to relieve some pressure on her brain at the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital. "She's doing great. She's bright. She's eating. She's playing, and there is a sparkle in her eyes," Lisa reports. "She has a zest for life like no animal we've ever seen. She does not give up. She's this kitten-sized cat that doesn't know anything other than to keep fighting." And Lilo is paying it forward. She has "adopted" a new kitten that just came into the rescue who is blind. "Lilo is his caretaker. She guides him. She cleans him. If he's going somewhere he shouldn't, she runs over and guides him," Lisa says. The rescue is struggling financially right now. Donations are down because COVID-19 is having a financial impact on so many people. The group could really use your help! "Our yearly medical expenses top $90,000. I lie awake at night wondering, are we going to survive this?"
Trevor
Trevor is an 11-month-old Domestic Shorthair cat in Monrovia, CA, who needs $595 for an echocardiogram.
Monrovia, CA
Rina C. was just watching the news one day when a segment popped up about a cat at a local shelter who needed a home. She raced to her computer, contacted the rescue organization, filled out an application, and got good news: She was approved to adopt! "He just had something about him that I was drawn to," Rina tells Waggle. "I felt like he would be a really good fit. We were excited to add a cat to our family." Rina's hunch was right; soon after they got Trevor home, he was an instant hit with all the species in her family. "We love him to pieces," Rina tells Waggle. "My husband and I love him. Our dogs Nayla and Gizmo love to play with him." Three weeks after she adopted him, Rina brought Trevor to his first vet appointment and got worrisome news. "The doctor said Trevor has a heart murmur, it was very loud, and he needs an echocardiogram to evaluate the severity," she says. "The test will reveal more information about his condition so the vet can decide the best treatment and if he needs medication." When Rina heard the echocardiogram's price, she panicked; it's something her family can't afford. "I was like, 'Oh no, that's not good!' The vet is adamant about getting the echocardiogram. They don't think he will grow out of the heart murmur. Someone said, 'You could bring him back to the shelter,' and I said, 'No! I'm attached to him!'" Rina went online looking for assistance to pay Trevor's medical bill and discovered Waggle. "I said, 'It looks like a good site.' I went ahead and put the information in to get things started. It seems like a great fit for our situation." Now Rina hopes kind-hearted donors will help her rescue Trevor one more time. "We would love assistance to keep him healthy," she says. "When we adopted Trevor, we thought most likely he'll be fine. The shelter didn't detect his heart murmur. He's very energetic and loving. He loves to play with the dogs. He's a very loveable cat."