Success Stories
These campaigns reached their goal. Thank you for making it happen.
Tootie
Her Tail Never Stops Wagging — But Tootie's Teeth Can't Wait
Geneva, OH • NE Ohio Greyhound Rescue
After NE Ohio Greyhound Rescue took in her littermates, Blind Truman and Taffy, they received a call that Tootie was in need of a soft place to land. Without blinking an eye, they welcomed Tootie to the pack and the three are affectionately called "The Triplets." Bonded and sharing many of the same medical issues, they live happily at the Sanctuary and share their caretakers bed. Like her siblings, Tootie has hypertension and kidney disease, both well controlled with medications. She also inherited the genetics for tooth and gum issues, which are common in some greyhound bloodlines. No amount of brushing, scaling, liquid additives, or wipes would prevent gum disease and tooth loss and Tootie requires dental surgery to extract about half of her teeth. Tootie may be smaller in size but her effect is large. Sweet, affectionate and funny, with a “ROOOOOO” that’s the envy of littermates Truman and Taffy, this 10 year old is one happy honey who never stops wiggling and whose long tail never stops wagging. She’s also happy to lend her voice to her siblings’ for a rousing “ROOO” chorus at the drop of the proverbial hat. NE Ohio Greyhound Rescue provides sanctuary and medical care for special needs animals that are deemed unadoptable. They rely on donations to help pay their vet bills. Tootie is one of those special needs hounds that needs your support. Will you be her hero? 4/14/26 Update We are so grateful for the incredible outpouring of support for Tootie! Because of the generosity and kindness of so many donors, Tootie was able to have her dental surgery. She had quite a few extractions, but she's healed and feeling so much better. Her appetite is great and she's happy and ready to give everyone her special kisses! Waggle has been a tremendous help for the animals with medical needs and we are honored to be a part of this community. Thank you so much!!!!
Matilda
Her Back Was Sliced Open While Her Puppies Nursed — Matilda Is Fighting to Survive
Austin, TX • ACF Animal Rescue USA
An urgent call came in about a mother dog who had been brutally attacked. When we found Matilda, the scene was devastating. She had been held down while individuals used knives to slice open the flesh across her back, leaving her entire back as one massive, open wound. Despite the unimaginable pain, her puppies were still trying to nurse from her. By the time our team reached her, Matilda was sitting in the corner of a broken road. Her eyes weren’t filled with fear — they were filled with shock. She wasn’t running. She wasn’t fighting. She had completely frozen, as if her body had gone numb from the trauma. Since arriving at ACF Animal Rescue, Matilda has not screamed. She has not cried out. Instead, she growls whenever anyone comes close. Her fear of humans runs deep, and after what she endured, she believes people mean harm. Treating her has been incredibly challenging. We are doing everything we can, mostly from a distance, slowly working to earn her trust. So far, she has allowed one team member to come slightly closer. That person now sits quietly with the vet, helping administer wound care and oral medications to prevent infection and support healing. Matilda has chosen one wall as her safe space and does not move from it. She only eats and drinks when no one is around. But we are grateful — because it means she still has the will to survive. Right now, Matilda needs time, patience, and gentle care. She needs her body to heal… and her heart, too. Your support helps us provide the medical treatment, supplies, and quiet, compassionate care she needs during this fragile time. She has endured the worst of humanity. Help us show Matilda that kindness still exists. 4/23/26 Update Despite everything she endured, Matilda fought quietly and with incredible strength. She allowed us small moments of care, small steps toward trust — even after experiencing unimaginable cruelty. But her body had suffered too much. Matilda passed away peacefully in her sleep, no longer in pain. In the days that followed, we did everything we could for her puppies. They had stayed by her side through it all, relying on her even as she fought to survive. Without their mother, their fragile little bodies simply couldn’t keep going, and we lost them as well. This is the reality we face far too often — the kind of cruelty that leaves wounds too deep to heal. But because of you, Matilda did not die alone on that broken road. She knew warmth. She knew safety. She knew that, in the end, there were hands that chose kindness instead of harm. Thank you for standing with her, for giving her dignity, and for allowing us to try. We will carry Matilda — and her babies — with us always.
Katie Bug
Katie Bug is a 13 year old American Shorthair in Akron, NY, who needs $500 for Follow Up Exam Because Meds Aren't Working.
Akron, NY
My husband and I adopted Katie Bug when she was around 6 weeks old. She is going on 14 now. She has always been my little shadow. We called her Bug because she has a bug pattern on her back. Katie Bug has lost a lot of weight, and she is refusing to eat. I took her to a local vet last Monday. The vet told me that Katie's lower jaw was inflamed. Katie got a shot, and the vet sent meds home with me. But, Katie is not showing any improvement. The vet also said that it could be cancer. I want a 2nd opinion. I do not have pet insurance, so I pray that you can help us. Katie Bug has always had the sweetest nature. She loves giving kisses, she always slept next to my head in bed at night, and I always called her my furry little piggy. She had a huge appetite! At her largest, she weighed 9 lbs. Today, she weighs 3 lbs. Her tongue is always hanging out, and she's drooling all over everything. I am 72 and on Social Security. I do not have pet insurance. I love my Bug, and I want her healthy again. If that isn't possible, then I want her put to sleep and cremated. I want her ashes back home with me.
Smokey
Smokey’s Neck Is One Open Wound—He Needs Help Now
Boiling Springs, SC • South Carolina Community Cat Project
After weeks of trying to catch him, Smokey was finally brought to safety—but what we found was heartbreaking. This sweet cat, likely abandoned and left to fend for himself, has been living with a massive, open wound around his neck. The injury is severe—raw, infected, and covered in dead tissue. It appears that something may have been tightly wrapped around his neck for a long time, slowly causing unimaginable pain as the wound worsened day after day. And yet… Smokey is nothing but love. The moment he was safe, he leaned into touch. He purred. He asked for affection. Despite everything he’s endured, Smokey is incredibly friendly—grateful, trusting, and clearly once someone’s pet. Which makes this even harder to understand. Smokey went to the vet immediately, where his wound was cleaned and he was neutered to prevent further suffering on the streets. He also tested FIV positive. FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) is most commonly spread through deep bite wounds during fights, which are far more likely to happen among unneutered male cats competing for territory and mates. This is one of the many reasons why neutering is so critical—it reduces roaming, aggression, and the risk of contracting and spreading diseases like FIV. The good news is that FIV is manageable, and cats like Smokey can live long, happy lives with proper care. His diagnosis does not define his future—but his untreated wound will if we don’t act. He will need: \- Continued wound care and cleaning - Medications to fight infection and manage pain - Follow-up veterinary visits to monitor healing South Carolina Community Cat Project is already stretched thin, taking in some of the most critical and heartbreaking cases. But there was no question—we could not leave Smokey like this. Now, we need your help. 💜 Your donation will go directly toward Smokey’s medical care and recovery. 💜 Every dollar helps relieve his pain and gives him a real chance at a safe, healthy life. If you’re unable to donate, sharing Smokey’s story can help us reach someone who can. Smokey has suffered long enough. He’s finally safe. He’s finally being cared for. Now let’s make sure he gets the full chance to heal—and the life he always deserved. 4/21/26 Update Because of you, Smokey is safe. And because of you, he has a chance. When Smokey was first brought in, his condition was truly devastating—an enormous, infected wound wrapped around his neck, likely caused by something that had been embedded there for far too long. It was one of the most severe cases we’ve seen. But even then, Smokey showed us who he is at his core: gentle, loving, and so deeply trusting. Today, we’re relieved to share that Smokey is healing. His wound is slowly improving, and he is receiving the care he so desperately needed for so long. But his journey is far from over. Smokey still requires nightly wound cleanings, ongoing monitoring, and continued medical support to ensure the infection stays under control and his skin can continue to repair itself. In a heartbreaking but telling development, Smokey recently vomited up what we believe was part of the collar or material that had been embedded in his neck—something he may have painfully chewed through himself in an attempt to survive. It’s a stark reminder of just how much he endured before he was rescued. His recovery will take months. And even then, his neck may never fully return to normal. It’s unlikely the fur will grow back in that area—but what matters most is that Smokey will no longer live in pain. And through it all… Smokey remains the same affectionate, resilient boy. He still leans into every touch. He still purrs. He still chooses love. That’s because of you. Your donations, your shares, your support—they made this possible. You took a cat who was suffering in silence and gave him relief, safety, and hope. We will continue to stand by Smokey every step of the way as he heals. And when he’s ready, we will make sure he finds the loving home he always deserved. From all of us—and from Smokey—thank you for not looking away.
Liam
Imagine Hurting Even in Your Sleep — Help Liam Today
West Palm Beach, FL • Wild Whiskers, Inc.
One year ago, I got the call you never forget. A cat had appeared at a trailer park where I was trapping for TNVR. He wasn’t just sick — he was dying. Covered in mange, one eye severely infected, barely able to move. I brought him home not knowing if I was saving him… or simply giving him comfort at the end. He lost the eye that couldn’t be saved. But somehow, he survived. When it was time to return him to his colony, I opened the trap — and he didn’t run. He shook. Frozen. Terrified. I’ve released thousands of cats. They run toward home. Liam was begging not to be left behind. So I brought him back. Built him a safe space. When given the choice, he stayed. For the first time in his life, he chose safety. Now, a year later, Liam is safe — but he’s still suffering. During a recent veterinary exam, we discovered that Liam has severe dental disease, including painful resorptive lesions — one of the most painful conditions cats can experience. Even while under sedation, Liam began chattering when his mouth was touched, a heartbreaking sign that he was still feeling pain despite being asleep. Imagine hurting so badly that your body reacts even when you cannot wake up. Liam is living with constant oral pain. Eating hurts. Existing hurts. And after everything he has survived, he deserves relief. His veterinarian has recommended urgent dental surgery with extractions to remove the diseased teeth and finally free him from pain. Medical Costs Pre-operative exam & bloodwork: $446 Dental surgery & extractions estimate: $703–$970 Our rescue has faced overwhelming medical expenses recently while continuing to say yes to animals in need. We cannot give Liam the pain-free life he deserves without help. This surgery will allow Liam to: ✔ Eat comfortably again ✔ Live without chronic pain ✔ Continue his journey toward a healthy, happy forever life Liam fought so hard to survive. Now he needs us — and our community — to help him truly heal. Every donation, no matter the amount, brings Liam closer to being pain-free. If you’re unable to donate, sharing his story makes a lifesaving difference too. Thank you for helping Liam finally leave pain behind and enjoy the life he fought so hard to have. 3/13/26 Update We have wonderful news to share about sweet Liam! Liam’s dental surgery went perfectly, and he received the care he desperately needed. During the procedure, the veterinarian performed the necessary tooth extractions and completed a full dental cleaning to ensure his teeth and gums stay healthy moving forward. Today also marked an important milestone in his recovery—his final day of food restriction. This means Liam’s stitches have healed well and he is officially past the recovery stage. Most importantly, Liam is now pain-free. After living with dental discomfort for so long, he’s finally able to eat comfortably and enjoy life again the way every cat deserves. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported Liam so far. Your generosity helped make this lifesaving procedure possible and gave him the chance to heal and feel better. However, we still need help covering the remaining costs of Liam’s veterinary care, including his surgery, medications, and follow-up treatment. If you’re able, please consider making a donation to help finish funding Liam’s care. Every contribution—no matter the size—helps ensure that cats like Liam can get the treatment they need when they need it most. Thank you for standing with Liam and helping give him the healthy, pain-free future he deserves. 3/27/26 Update Liam is doing amazing! He’s fully recovered from his dental procedure and is feeling so much better. When we noticed he was beginning to decline indoors, we made the decision to move him to a place where he could truly thrive. Liam is now safely acclimating in an enclosed catio at a new colony — and he’s already loving it. 🥹 Watching him relax and enjoy his new environment has been incredibly rewarding. We are so grateful to everyone who has donated and supported Liam along the way. Because of you, he received the care he needed and was given this second chance at a happy, comfortable life. If you’d like to continue supporting Liam’s ongoing care and help other cats like him receive lifesaving treatment, please consider making a donation today. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference and helps us give more animals the futures they deserve. 4/21/26 Update Liam is finally settled in his forever home! While we had hoped he’d enjoy indoor life, it became clear he was very stressed- so we listened to his needs, not our own. We’re so happy to share that Liam has found the perfect place: a large, safe colony on a beautiful property with a dedicated human family and other kitties to call his own. He was able to fully acclimate while recovering from his dental surgery and has now been released to enjoy life as part of the colony. Because of your support, Liam received the medical care he needed and deserved- and now gets to live the life that makes him happiest. Thank you to everyone who donated and made this possible
Polly
Polly Can’t See—But She Can Feel Your Love
Boiling Springs, SC • South Carolina Community Cat Project
Polly is only three months old—but she’s already endured more pain than most animals experience in a lifetime. When she came to us, both of her eyes were severely damaged beyond repair. She was suffering, and the only way to stop her pain was immediate, life-saving surgery. There was no time to wait. Thanks to a compassionate veterinary team who made space for her, Polly underwent emergency double eye enucleation. Her eyes are gone—but her pain is too. Now, for the first time in her short life, Polly is comfortable. She’s safe. She’s healing. She’s already learning how to navigate her world without sight—following voices, seeking out affection, and curling up for snuggles like nothing ever happened. Polly doesn’t know she’s different. She only knows she’s finally loved. But while Polly’s future is bright, her rescue came at a cost we weren’t prepared for. 💔 We urgently need help to cover: \\\\\\\\- Emergency double eye enucleation surgery - Pain medications and antibiotics - Post-operative care and monitoring - Follow-up visits to ensure proper healing Every dollar goes directly toward the care that saved Polly’s life and ensured she will never have to feel that kind of pain again. Polly has already fought so hard to be here. Now she deserves the chance to thrive. Please help us give this brave little girl the life she’s been waiting for. 4/19/26 Update Thank you to everyone who donated, shared, and supported Polly through her Waggle campaign. We are so happy to share that Polly is doing amazing! Even though Polly does not have any eyes, she is thriving. She has adjusted so well and doesn’t let anything slow her down. She gets around beautifully, plays, explores, cuddles, and lives a happy life just like any other cat. She has shown us all that being different does not stop her from living life to the fullest. Because of your support, Polly was able to get the care she needed and now has the chance to enjoy the safe, loved, and happy life she deserves. Thank you for believing in her and helping give her that future. 💜
Abby
Hit by a Car, Saved by Kindness — Now Abby Needs Us
Parkland, FL • Happy Whiskers Animal Coalition
Abby is a stunning calico girl with a fighting spirit and a heart full of love. She was found after being hit by a car. In a moment of incredible fate, the Good Samaritan who found her brought her to a local church — and a volunteer from Happy Whiskers Animal Coalition just happened to be there that very day. Abby was rushed to the veterinarian, where X-rays confirmed a broken hip and a severely fractured leg. Over the past several weeks, Abby has endured multiple exams, veterinary visits, and three rounds of X-rays as we gave her leg every possible chance to heal. Thankfully, her hip is improving beautifully. But despite every effort, her leg has not healed in a way that will allow her to live comfortably long-term. After careful monitoring and consultation, amputation is now the best path forward. Her surgery is planned for late March, but before we can move ahead, Abby still needs a recheck exam, bloodwork, and likely additional imaging to ensure she’s strong enough for the procedure. The diagnostics we’ve already completed — along with her upcoming surgery and recovery — mean her medical expenses are rising quickly. And yet, you would never know what she’s endured. Abby is bright, affectionate, and endlessly curious. She doesn’t dwell on her trauma. She simply wants love, attention, and the chance to explore her world without pain. Happy Whiskers Animal Coalition is fully committed to giving Abby the pain-free, active life she deserves. We are asking for your help to offset the cost of her continued diagnostics, amputation surgery, and post-operative care so we can continue saying “yes” to cats in crisis. Please consider making a donation today. Every gift — no matter the size — brings Abby closer to comfort, healing, and the fresh start she so deserves. Thank you for being part of Abby’s second chance 4/17/26 Update We have an important update on Abby’s journey 💕 After consulting with our veterinarian, it’s been recommended that we hold off on amputation surgery for now. Because Abby is still growing, there’s a chance her condition may change over time, and surgery would be better considered when she’s older—especially if the joint begins to cause her discomfort later in life. For now, Abby is doing well and we will continue to closely monitor her growth and mobility while she enjoys being a happy, playful kitten 💗 Abby is still available for adoption and is ready to find a family who will love her just the way she is. Our rescue will continue to support her and any future medical needs related to her condition. If you’re looking for a special girl with a resilient spirit, Abby might just be your perfect match 🐾 👉 Apply to adopt: www.happy-whiskers.org/adopt
Daphne
Daphne is a 5 year old Mix-Breed in Madison, WI, who needs $500 for Ultrasound.
Madison, WI
My ex and I adopted Daphne in September of 2020. She was four months old and had come from a feral colony. She was scared when we brought her home; she would hide in the closet all day until we went to sleep. Then she would eat, drink, use the litter box, and play! Over time, she warmed up to us. She moved halfway from NH to WI with me, my ex, and her adoptive sister Suzu in 2021. In late March, I noticed that Daphne's belly was getting big. At first, I chalked this up to her eating Suzu's food. But then, one night, she vomited several times, so I brought her to the UW-Madison emergency vet. They drained 700ml of fluid from her abdomen. Our primary vet, Underdog Vet Services, saw a mass on her liver from their ultrasound but were unable to give more information. Daphne is such a sweet and docile girl! Because she was a "COVID kitty", she only every truly became socialized to me. She trusts me more than anyone else. She and her sister Suzu have gotten close over the past two years; Suzu even lets Daphne groom her now! I serve as an AmeriCorps member in my community and live on a fixed stipend of ~$1700/month. My rent alone is $820/month. A diagnostic ultrasound costs $500. Daphne is so brave and so young and I want to give her a fighting chance of getting back to her happy, healthy self!
Mira
Mira is a 10 year old Mix-Breed in Pensacola, FL, who needs $890 for Surgical Excision.
Pensacola, FL
I got Mira when she was 6 weeks old. She is 10 now and a huge part of my family. She and I, lost our best friend one year ago to cancer. We both mourned. Mira is a wonderful companion and needs medical attention. Mira has been having anal gland issues for the last month and a half. I brought her in and they said it was a swollen anal gland and it drained on its own. Now it had came back and they cut it open and found a mass. Next week she needs to have surgery to remove the mass. No other masses were shown on her body through the ultrasound. If she doesn’t get this mass removed, it could possibly spread. Mirror is a very laid-back old lady. She still plays with her four-year-old friend and my two-year-old grandson like a puppy. She has the most loving behavior and loves to cuddle and sleep next to me at night. For the last 10 years she has. grown up with my kids, which are now adults and we all love her so much. I just lost my dad and my soul dog to cancer both within the last year. I don’t make a lot of money and have very high bills in my paychecks usually go towards all my bills. I paid $490 today to get it cut open and to get her sedated. Next week it is going to cost $890 to get the master removed. I just don’t have that kind of money.