Success Stories
These campaigns reached their goal. Thank you for making it happen.
Dawson
Help Dawson Heal: A Tiny Puppy Hurt by Cruelty Needs Urgent Care
Austin, TX • ACF Animal Rescue USA
Dawson is just a tiny puppy who should be spending his days playing, exploring, and feeling safe. Instead, he arrived at ACF Animal Rescue after experiencing unimaginable cruelty. This little boy was dropped off to the rescue in terrible condition. When our team first saw him, it was clear something was very wrong. Dawson has a severe injury to his eye, and based on the trauma, it appears he may have been struck with a heavy object—possibly a stone or something similar. It’s heartbreaking to imagine how anyone could harm such a small, innocent puppy. Despite the pain and fear he has endured, Dawson’s spirit is still there. He is very shy and frightened, and the world still feels like a scary place for him—but every so often, his tiny tail gently wags, as if he’s hoping that the people around him mean kindness. And now, they do. Dawson is currently under veterinary treatment and receiving the urgent care he desperately needs. Our team is working closely with veterinarians to treat his eye injury, manage his pain, and give him the chance to heal both physically and emotionally. But rescues like ours cannot do this alone. 💙 Your tax-deductible donation will help cover Dawson’s veterinary care, treatment, and recovery, giving this brave little puppy the chance to grow up in safety and love—something he should have had from the very beginning. If you’re unable to donate, sharing Dawson’s story can help us reach more compassionate people who want to help. Together, we can show Dawson that while some humans failed him, many more are ready to fight for him. 🐾 3/19/26 Update Our sweet little Dawson is having a bit of a tougher moment in his recovery. He’s currently dealing with some GI issues and isn’t feeling his best, so he’s back in our clinic where he can be closely monitored and supported. Given everything his tiny body has already been through, even small setbacks can affect him more—but he’s in the right place and receiving the care he needs. Despite this, Dawson is still showing us his spirit. He’s still such a little cutie, and even on the harder days, you can see that he’s full of life. That gentle, hopeful energy is still there—and it’s what keeps all of us going as we fight for him. Right now, the focus is on stabilizing him, keeping him comfortable, and helping his body continue to heal at its own pace. Recovery isn’t always a straight line, especially for a puppy who has endured so much trauma so early in life. Dawson needs time, care, and continued medical support—and we are committed to seeing him through every step of this journey. But we can’t do it alone. His ongoing treatment, clinic care, medications, and monitoring all come at a cost. As a small rescue, cases like Dawson’s quickly add up, and we rely entirely on the kindness of supporters to continue providing this level of care. If you’re able to donate, even a small amount will help us continue Dawson’s treatment and give him the chance to fully recover and grow into the happy, safe life he deserves. If you can’t donate, sharing his story means just as much. Dawson has been through more than any puppy ever should—but he’s still fighting. And with your help, we’ll keep fighting for him. 4/6/26 Update We are heartbroken to share a final update on little Dawson. When Dawson first arrived, he had already endured unimaginable cruelty. Despite his severe eye injury and the fear he carried, he showed us glimpses of hope — a shy puppy whose tiny tail would wag as he slowly began to trust the kindness around him. With treatment and supportive care, Dawson started to improve, and we were all encouraged by the progress he was making. Even when he experienced a setback with GI issues, he remained under close veterinary supervision, and we continued to support him every step of the way. In fact, Dawson had been doing well, which makes what happened next even more devastating. Dawson suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. It was a shock to everyone caring for him because he had been showing such positive signs, and we truly believed he was on the path to recovery. His loss has left our entire team heartbroken. Sometimes, despite doing everything possible — providing medical care, comfort, and love — fragile little bodies that have endured trauma simply cannot overcome the damage. Dawson was surrounded by people who cared deeply about him, and in his final days, he knew safety, compassion, and gentle hands. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated, shared his story, and supported his care. Your kindness gave Dawson comfort, treatment, and love during the time he had with us. While his ending was not what we hoped for, he did not suffer alone, and he was deeply cared for. Run free, sweet Dawson. You were loved, and you will never be forgotten.
Zero
Zero is a 4 year old Boston Terrier in San Antonio, TX, who needs $500 for Diagnosis and Treatment.
San Antonio, TX
We've had our Zero since Christmas 2022. He was a gift to me that Christmas and we were so happy to give our other fur baby, Bishop, a little brother. We gave him that name because of the movie "The Nightmare Before Christmas", where the ghost dog's name was Zero and since we had gotten him for Christmas, we found it fitting. We've noticed for the past 3 days that Zero has been bleeding when going potty, with the blood being more and more each day. We are not sure what it is he has, though we do think he will be needing an x-ray. We ask for the help in order to know what's wrong and hopefully help him get better. We would be taking him to Town & Country Veterinary Hospital. Zero is a very noble and loving dog. He is very kind and loves playing/annoying his big brother, Bishop. He enjoys anybodies company and is quite needy. He will follow you wherever you go, no matter what. Zero is always trying to copy his big brother, trying to sleep under blankets but he can never lift the blanket up enough so he just gives up and lays on top. He also snores very loud. I just got divorced and came to San Antonio to live with my daughter. We just got an apartment here which we spent the last of our money on. I dont have a job yet nor a car nor money but this is an emergency for Zero so we ask for your help🙏❤️
Malee
Help This Brave Mama Beat Cancer
Mae Rim, CA • Hand to Paw Foundation
When villagers brought a young street dog to Hand To Paw Foundation’s spay day, they came with good intentions. They had managed to humanely trap her so she could be sterilized — a critical step in preventing more homeless puppies. But when we saw her, everything changed. Malee is a young, ownerless street dog — and she was suffering. She had a large, bloody, dripping tumor consistent with Transmissible Venereal Tumor (TVT), a contagious cancer spread through mucous membrane contact. It was painful. It was advanced. And it needed urgent treatment. And yet, even in that condition, her body told another story. Malee was producing a significant amount of milk. It was clear she was actively nursing a litter of puppies — even though they weren’t with her when she arrived. Spaying her that day was not an option. We declined the procedure, knowing she needed to finish nursing first. Instead, we offered something more urgent: hospitalization and cancer treatment. We also committed to keeping Malee and her puppies together for two weeks so they could slowly and safely wean — giving us time to vaccinate, deworm, and provide flea prevention for the entire family. While TVT can technically be transmitted through direct mucous membrane contact, including suckling, the risk to nursing puppies is considered extremely low. In fact, we — and many experienced rescuers — have never seen transmission occur this way. Keeping Malee with her babies was not only safer emotionally, but medically reasonable. Today, her puppies are thriving. They’ve received veterinary care and are now up for adoption — safe, protected, and full of possibility. And now it’s Malee’s turn. She will begin chemotherapy this week to treat her cancer. TVT is one of the few cancers in dogs that responds incredibly well to chemo — with a strong success rate when treatment is consistent. Malee has an excellent chance of full recovery. But she needs us to see it through. As a young street dog with no owner, Malee has no one else to advocate for her. No one else to cover the cost of hospitalization, chemotherapy sessions, medications, diagnostics, and follow-up care. That responsibility falls to us — and to compassionate supporters like you. Malee has already given everything to her puppies. She endured pain while nursing them. She protected them while battling cancer. She deserves the same devotion in return. Malee’s story could have ended at a spay clinic with her cancer untreated. Instead, she was given a chance. Please help us make sure that chance turns into a cure. Donate today to support Malee’s chemotherapy and give this brave mama the healthy, pain-free future she deserves. 3/19/26 Update We’re happy to share a positive update on brave mama Malee and her little family! Since the last update, Malee and all of her puppies have been doing well under the care of Hand To Paw Foundation. The entire family has now been dewormed, vaccinated twice, treated for fleas, and provided with nutritious food to help them grow strong and healthy. Even better news—two of the puppies have already been adopted! Seeing them begin their new lives in loving homes is exactly what we hoped for when we first stepped in to help this little family. As for Malee, we have been carefully preparing for the next step in her treatment. The plan was to begin chemotherapy right away for her Transmissible Venereal Tumor (TVT), but the transition away from her puppies has been harder than expected. When separated, the puppies cry out for their mom, and it’s clear that the bond between them is still very strong. Because of this, we’ve made the compassionate decision to give them one more week together before starting Malee’s chemotherapy. During this time, we’ve also completed Malee’s spay surgery and are actively working to find loving homes for the rest of her puppies so they can begin their own happy futures. Malee has already endured so much while caring for her babies, and we want to make sure this transition is as gentle and stress-free as possible for everyone involved. While two puppies have found homes, the remaining puppies are still looking for families, and Malee’s chemotherapy treatment is about to begin soon. We still need support to cover the cost of her ongoing veterinary care, including chemo treatments, medications, and follow-up visits. If you’re able, please consider making a donation to help us continue Malee’s treatment and give this devoted mama the healthy future she deserves. Every contribution helps us care for Malee and the animals who rely on us for a second chance. Thank you for standing with Malee and her puppies. Your compassion is helping rewrite their story. 4/21/26 Update Malee’s story began with urgency, uncertainty, and a whole lot of courage. Today, we’re able to share the ending we were all hoping for — one that’s quiet, powerful, and deeply meaningful. After weeks of dedicated care, Malee has officially completed her chemotherapy treatment for Transmissible Venereal Tumor (TVT) — and we are beyond grateful to say that her cancer has been fully treated. This young street mama, who once arrived in pain with an advanced, bleeding tumor while still nursing her babies, fought through every step of treatment with resilience. Because of your support, she received the full course of care she needed: diagnostics, chemotherapy, spay surgery, and recovery. Her puppies — the ones she protected even while suffering — are now safe. They received full veterinary care, and one by one, they’ve been finding homes and brighter futures. And Malee? She’s ready for her next chapter too. Malee remains quite shy and still very unsure of people. Life on the streets has taught her to be cautious, and that won’t disappear overnight. But she is safe now. She is no longer in pain. And she carries a small but important symbol of her journey — an ear notch, marking that she has been spayed and cared for. In the coming days, Malee will be returned to her community — the place she knows, now as a healthy, protected dog. She will no longer contribute to the cycle of suffering, and she will no longer carry the burden of untreated disease. Malee’s life was changed because people chose to act — the villagers who brought her in, and every one of you who supported her care. Thank you for standing with Malee. You didn’t just save her life — you gave her a future.
Buttercup
Found As a Stray Suffering & Hurting, Help Buttercup Bloom
Geneva, OH • NE Ohio Greyhound Rescue
When Buttercup was picked up as a stray by a local shelter, she could barely open her left eye. The shelter started to treat her, but when no one claimed her, we stepped in and transferred Buttercup to our Sanctuary. Her tests revealed that she not only had a painful corneal ulcer, she was also anemic and her white cell count was high and her abdomen was slightly distended. After 10 days on new medications for her corneal ulcer, antibiotics, supplements to combat her anemia and a thorough deworming, Buttercup is now improving and ready for spay and dental surgery. It's essential that we don't delay too long, in the event that she does have a uterine infection or is coming into heat. To our delight, sweet and quiet Buttercup is blooming. She loves to be held and snuggled – and we love holding and snuggling her. It’s tragically clear that, in the past, she was never shown the gentle and tender kindness she so deserved. NE Ohio Greyhound Rescue relies on donations to provide the best medical care possible to the life long residents at it's sanctuary. Now that Buttercup is finally and forever “home” at the Sanctuary, won’t you please help her continue to bloom? 4/15/26 Update Thank you, thank you, thank you! Because of the generosity of so many donors, Buttercup had her surgery and is feeling much better now. We are forever grateful for all the kindness that was showered on Buttercup and we are honored to be part of the Waggle community. Peace, Love, Rescue!
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