Success Stories
These campaigns reached their goal. Thank you for making it happen.
Vinny
Vinny is a five-month-old Shepherd-Mix in Houston, TX, who needs $2,000 for emergency care due to abuse.
Houston, TX • ThisIsHouston
Rescuers from ThisIsHouston were shocked, horrified, and absolutely sick when they saw poor Vinny, who is just a puppy. "Vinny has been the victim of unimaginable cruelty," Laura F., from the rescue, tells Waggle. "He was found with a rubber band embedded around his nose, which has caused extensive damage. His face will never be the same." There is no telling how long Vinny lived like this. "Vinny was found by a good Samaritan who took him in to keep him safe and posted for help," Laura says. "ThisIsHouston knew we had to help this soul who, despite being so young, had already suffered so much." The rescue raced Vinny to an emergency animal hospital, where a surgical team removed the rubber band that had grown into his snout. "His nose is detached from his skull, so his nostrils are the main concern as they are covered with granulation tissue from his body trying to heal over them," Laura says. The surgeon placed stents in Vinny's nostrils, and now everyone is hoping and praying there is a chance his nose will heal. "Despite everything, Vinny is incredibly sweet," Laura adds. "Vinny has an extremely difficult and long journey ahead." Though ThisIsHouston's mission is to save unwanted, neglected, and abused dogs, the cruelty in Vinny's case is incomprehensible. Please support the rescue and help Vinny get a new start to life. Update: It would be totally justifiable if Vinny ended up being scared of humans as a result of what happened to him, or even a little aggressive, but he’s not. He just wants all the love. He really likes to crawl into your lap and he does it so proudly. He likes to give kisses too, and would kiss your face away if you let him, and also if that big cone wasn’t in the way! He is having suture/skin tightening and his muzzle is less swollen. So far there have been no major setbacks and is making slow but steady improvement! Vinny has a long way to go but has already made so much amazing progress. Update 8/8/24: Vinny’s been getting reconstructive procedures since coming into our care and just had a major one this week. He had stents placed to help keep his nostrils open and heal open. This week, they replaced the nasal tubes with the next size up to give him a bigger opening. There was a lot of skin missing on both the top of his muzzle and the bottom. They’ve been pulling/tightening the skin around his muzzle to help close the gaps. The bottom part of his chin was exposed flesh and we initially thought he would get a flap placed there. But there was not a lot of excess skin to work with in terms of doing flaps so doc made extra cuts to the sides of his mouth to do some closing on the chin. It’s not fully closed but we hope to see it granulate. He’s overall in a good spot! He’s still eating great and is feeling good. The top and bottom yellow dressings are being changed 2-3 times and the tubes will be kept in place for a few weeks. The tubes are prone to infection so he’s continuing to stay at Blue Pearl. Update 8/14/24: Vinny has been through many reconstruction surgeries but they are paying off as the top of his nose is so close to being back to "normal." His nostrils are passing lots of air but the stents are still in place. The top part of his muzzle has some healthy granulation tissue and we want that to heal on its own overtime. It’s already starting to grow new skin on the edges! As for the bottom part of his muzzle/chin — the surgeon tried to advance the chin skin forward by using bone tunnels and suture with the plan on advancing again as the skin stretched. Unfortunately, the sutures have failed, so he’s going to come up with another plan. Vinny is still growing some new skin there and the wound there is smaller due to new skin growth, but he wants to figure out something to speed up the healing process there. So Vinny will stay at the ER until further notice; he’s in great hands and receiving lots of love! Update 8/22/24: Vinny continues to do well. He's getting bandage changes and his maxilla wound is healing very well, getting smaller each time and still looking very healthy! The veterinary clinic massaged the swelling over his nose and that has improved a lot compared to two weeks ago. The mandible punch grafts stayed in place but we'll know if they are taking or not at the next two changes. Vinny's total care is about to pass $16k. We know that is a big price tag, but we think he's worth every penny! Thank you all for helping us make his second chance possible. Update 8/27/24: We’re on day 30 at the ER. The top wound is so small now! It’s been truly amazing to witness his journey. The punch skin grafts on his bottom chin look great. We’re expecting that to get smaller like the top part did. He’s such a brave boy and we’re so proud of him. Update 9/6/24: Vinny’s still hanging out at the ER being a little mascot there. He’s in medical boarding while getting his wounds tended to. Here’s an update from one of his surgeons: “the punch grafts are doing well and the skin is growing, the wound is getting smaller and is staying healthy. The maxilla wound is healed and the bandage was left off. The nasal cannulas were removed and the mucosal grafts are holding well. We will continue nebulization to help clear the mucus in his nasal cavity but they are currently patent.” He LOVES people and likes to climb in your lap and soak up all the love! He’s such a sweet lovable boy. Considering the damage that was done and the fact that we thought his nose would fall off when he was first admitted to the ER, this is amazing progress and beyond amazing to witness. Update 9/11/24: Vinny's had several reconstructive procedures done in an attempt to get his nose as normal as possible. His chin is still pretty much all flesh. The vet clinic recently took pieces of his skin from his flank and placed those punch grafts on his chin. It’s still in the slow process of growing, so we’re just waiting on his chin. We didn’t even think this recovery was possible, but Vinny is making such progress! Update 9/15/24: Vinny’s spent 7 weeks at the ER (majority of it being medical boarding while receiving ongoing wound care), but he’s almost discharge ready! He required several reconstructive procedures, countless bandage changes, and a punch graft procedure on his chin but he finally almost looks like a “normal” dog again. He’s loved all the attention he received in hospital and everyone there loved having him too. We're so excited for his amazing future. Update 9/16/24: Today he walks out of that same ER a new pup with the rest of his life ahead of him! He’s happy, confident, and loving and on the road to recovery. He’s headed to his foster home!
DJ
DJ is a 8 year old Mix-Breed in Geneva, OH, who needs $558 for Dental and Neuter Surgery.
Geneva, OH • NE Ohio Greyhound Rescue
If ever a dog deserved joy, it’s DJ. This sweet and sociable 8-year-old found himself at a shelter and in need of extensive medical care. When we learned of his needs, we stepped up and took him into our sanctuary program. While his list of ailments is both heartbreaking and long, DJ has a good chance of recovering and will live out his senior years surrounded by loving caretakers. DJ came to us with heartworm. and a large intestinal and external parasite load which lead to malnutrition, infections and the death of most of the hair follicles on his back. Now treated and free of all parasites and infections and at his proper weight, DJ needs dental and neuter surgery as the next step in his healing journey. Madison Vet Hospital is providing ongoing care for DJ. Clearly a beauty, large and black, like a black bear, with the most mesmerizing eyes, DJ has warmed up to his caretakers and the other canines here, knowing that he’s safe and he's turned into a wiggly, friendly soul. He has an eye condition that requires daily care but he's good about standing for his treatments. He also likes having his pills wrapped in pill pockets! As a nonprofit rescue, we take in animals with medical needs and provide them with the highest quality, lifetime care possible. We rely on donations to pay for vet care. Can you spare a few dollars for DJ's surgery bill?
Canyon
Canyon is a 3 year old Mix-Breed in Sri Lanka, who needs $1,000 for Wound Treatment & Physical Therapy for Paralysis.
Burnsville, MN • Baw Baw Animal Welfare
Baw Baw Animal Welfare Canyon is no stranger to pain and human cruelty. He was hit by a car and, despite clearly being hurt, was left to die. The accident left Canyon's back legs paralyzed and this poor boy dragged his way to food and water in order to survive. He was left in this condition for so long, that his back feet are now severely wounded. Baw Baw knew they had to help this scared, emaciated, and injured dog who has suffered for too long. They stepped up to provide Canyon a second chance at life. Baw Baw is currently treating his wounds and providing pain management. Once Canyon is stronger, he will have physical therapy to hopefully improve his condition. Baw Baw Animal Welfare is dedicated to improving the lives of animals in Sri Lanka. Dogs like Canyon would continue to suffer without their intervention. Please consider donating to help them provide care for Canyon and continue their important work!
Theo
Theo is a 1 year old American Longhair in Mesa, AZ, who needs $1,000 for PU Surgery.
Mesa, AZ
It's a race against time for our "Big Boy" Theo! We rescued Theo as a kitten from a household where a child had cut off his whiskers and he was being bullied by 3 large dogs. We are just $400 dollars away the down payment required to get him into surgery! He won't survive without it. He is the most beautiful wonderful cat ever and he deserves to live and Theo requires PU surgery to open up his urethra so he pee normally. The hospital is a Z pet vet and it’s the roadrunner location in Peoria Arizona. They need $1000 upfront which I don’t have and then I can finance the rest through them which I can do. He needs this immediately in order to save his life, he is blocked and this is the only permanent solution. It’s usually a very successful surgery! Theo has a brother and his brother is so worried about him. He’s healthy, but Theo has the situation and with surgery he he will be just as healthy again and probably have a very long life. I take very very good care of him and love him with all my heart. He loves to play and he’s a very sweet and kind. He loves to lay by me and be petted please help save his life. Theo is my emotional support animal. I am disabled but receive disability so it’s hard for me to come up with $1000 upfront to get the surgery underway.
ESPN
ESPN is a 13 month old Chihuahua in Concord, NC, who needs $200 for Mange, Exam, Medicine or IV's.
Concord, NC
ESPN, pronounced EssPen, came into my life after losing my 15y/o Chihuahua in a horrific way. I needed a fur baby to love. When I got Espy I was unaware that she had been abused by the previous owner. ESPN is a year old and has never received any vaccinations or care. Poor baby lived in her crate and had never been taken outside. They brought her to me recently bathed in Dawn detergent they said. I noticed a smell coming from Espy after 2 days. Thought it might be easy mites so I cleaned her ears. Quickly what looks like Mange has consumed her poor body. I've had her maybe 6 weeks and this started 2 weeks ago. I've bathed her about 6 times trying to help her. I'm disabled and I live on a fixed income. I can't afford a high Vet bill and it's breaking my heart to see her like this. When Espy came to me she was very skiddish and timid. It took time for her to trust me where she would show me love and we'd play with her toys. Now she's so miserable she doesn't come out of her crate much anymore. However I've had several seizures in front of her and each time she comes out and stays by my side until they're over. She's so sweet and loving. She doesn't deserve to be like this. I am disabled and can't drive due to seizures. I live on a fixed income, but I could budget to get her vaccines. I wasn't expecting a sick visit to the Vet right after getting her. I've called around to 7 Vets but no one will see her without payment at time of service.
Fudgesicle
Fudgesicle is a 3 year old Mix-Breed in walnut Creek, CA, who needs $625 for Cherry Eye Surgery.
walnut Creek, CA
Fudgesicle came to me via the euthanasia list at our local shelter. As a stray, he arrived at the shelter and was given two weeks to be adopted before going on the euthanasia list because the shelter was over crowded. Fudgesicle’s energy and zest for life shined through the darkness of the shelter. I couldn’t leave this spitfire to die, so I took him on as a foster. Fudgesicle has cherry eye in both eyes, which is caused by a gland in the eye pocket getting enflamed, and protruding from the eye socket. Another one of my fosters has the same condition. The cherry eye causes discomfort and can lead to chronic dry eye. Fudgesicle or Fudgy is a happy, energetic dog who is the life of the party. Fudgesicle gets along with other dogs and children. This boy has the cutest zoomies but calms down and loves cuddles with his people. I have several fosters. I love my foster pups and take care of all their food, entertainment needs and vaccinations. I just can’t afford additional medical expenses, even though I know the cherry eye surgery will make his life so much better. Please help Fudgesicle!
Juju
Juju is a 3 year old Mix-Breed in Karachi, Pakistan who needs $800 for Severe Head Wounds.
Austin, TX • ACF Animal Rescue USA
ACF Animal Rescue Juju was found wandering the streets of Karachi, Pakistan in over 120 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) blistering heat, having been badly beaten. He was extremely disoriented from his injury and spent days without food and water, hitting a dangerous level of dehydration. Thankfully, Juju was taken to ACF Animal Rescue Foundation. Juju got to the ACF clinic with a bowl of clean water with ice, likely his first time drinking clean water in his life. He practically collapsed in relief. His head was extremely swollen from the extensive beating. He also had a large gash on the top of his head. He has been receiving around the clock care for his head wounds and is being fed a proper diet to get him back to a healthy weight. Juju is extremely fearful of humans, understandably so. His caretakers have had to be very patient with him and do their treatments from afar as to not frighten him. It is their hope that, with time, Juju can learn not all humans are bad. Please help support Juju on his journey back to health. He has fought hard so far, but still continues to need some aid to get him back to his full health. Your donation will make a difference.
Stonie
Stonie is a 15 year old American Shorthair in allentown, PA, who needs $1,000 for Bullet Wound Treatment and Follow-Up.
allentown, PA
Stonie was a rescue from Staten Island Humane Society at about 1 year old, he stretched in that cage and my husband said "He's the one" He was names Gatsby. He is now Sir Gatsby Keystone The First A.K.A Buddy. Our Senior cat was gone 32 hours, he got out in a storm. He came home with a bloody face we thought he was maybe attacked by an animal. His local vet took some X-rays and found he was shot in the face through the cheek with a 25 caliber bullet lodged into his nasal passage. Our precious animal was attacked by a vicious dangerous person. He survived despite not being able to breath well. He is loved by everyone. Quiet and playful even in his old age. He has met countless dog friends and cat neighbors and just loves everyone. He sleeps with any house guests to protect them and follows us around like a little shadow. The vet did all she could to help him but this bullet is in a place that may not be able to be removed. He could have permanent breathing damage in his nasal passage. She suggested the Bullet be evaluated by a top cat surgeon.
Jinx
Jinx is a 2 month old Mix-Breed in Springville, IA, who needs $2,000 for Xray on Front Right Leg, Cast, and Possibly Surgery.
Springville, IA
We got Jinx two days ago, and he played very well with his sisters that we brought home as well. A night in, we are unsure exactly what happened, but he either broke or fractured his right leg above the elbow. Because it was so sudden, we don’t have the funds to make sure it’s not broken but he hasn’t been able to walk on it and he just lays down in one spot. We are unsure what he has gotten. I don’t know if he has received his deworming or anything. When we got him and his sisters, they were living in a hotel with 6 other cats so I am unsure how well it was being taken care of around him. Jinx is a sweet little love bug, he enjoys cuddles and loves to get head scratches. He helps my husband as an emotional support animal,and he loves to be big brother to his sisters always checking on them. We currently are down to one of us working due to no child care for our kids. To have Jinx healthy again would mean that we can play again with his sisters and able to run around and not be in pain.