Part of our mission as a rescue is to help animal owners keep their pets! We do that in a number of ways - by providing training assistance when possible, helping with things like food and equipment when needed, and helping with medical care for families who love their animals but have hit a bump in the road financially because of circumstances beyond their control.
We got to know Brenda almost 7 months ago, when she rescued Chico from an absolutely awful situation. He was living in a basement, after his owner had left the home and the owner's girl friend could not handle him. Brenda took Chico to live with her - at first not intending to keep him. She was looking for a rescue to take him, or else a way to adopt him to a responsible family.
What she wasn't counting on was Chico's lack of socialization. Our trainer evaluated him and the evaluation showed a very scared, unsocialized dog with a considerable degree of fear aggression. The other thing she wasn't counting on was the strong bond that developed between her and Chico. They ADORE each other! Brenda won Chico's trust and they have given each other their hearts. Without Brenda, Chico would not have stood a chance! We searched in vain for a rescue to take him, but in all honestly the best place for Chico is right with Brenda. She is his lifeline! Our trainer has continued to stay involved and work with Chico and, little by little, he is learning that he can trust people other than Brenda. For a dog like Chico, progress is not quick - but at this point is is measurable.
HOWEVER - Chico may not have a chance to live a happy life for very long! For some time he has been having serious diarrhea and has been vomiting intermittently. He was emaciated when Brenda got him - although he did gain some weight he is now losing it again and he is, once again, quickly becoming "skin and bones".
Chico saw two vets before we stepped in. At that point, the answers that were needed were not forthcoming - and Brenda was fresh out of funds for his medical care. Her landlord wouldn't allow him to continue to live in the rental property after an unfortunate bite incident - so rather than giving him up, Brenda and her husband bought a very inexpensive trailer, fixed it up, and are now living in it so that Chico still has a home. There is NOTHING left over for vet bills and medical treatments!
Our rescue arranged for Chico to see our vet. A trial on medication did not work, and a fecal test came back negative for both worms and giardia.
Our vet believes that Chico is either suffering from IBD, or has a partial intestinal blockage or intestinal tumor. An ultrasound is needed to diagnose it - and Chico does not have much time! At this point he has virtually stopped eating and is shedding weight daily!
Given the scope required for the ultrasound, it must be done at a specialty hospital. Chico has an appointment on Friday, August 25, to have that done at Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine in North Haven.
As much as we want to help, we cannot bear the expense of this procedure alone, given the needs of the dogs currently in our rescue.
We are therefore asking YOU, each and every one of you who reads this fundraiser, to donate whatever you can! We will be paying for the procedure, as well as for Chico's previous visit to our vet and any and all follow-up care that is required, with funds raised through this fundraiser.
PLEASE HELP US TO HELP CHICO AND BRENDA! THEY NEED US NOW!
Furry Friends Foster and Rescue, Inc. is approved by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity. All donations are tax deductible.
We have said many times before that it always takes a village. The Facebook village has stepped up time and time again for animals in need and we are asking you to do so once again. Because Chico is worth it! He deserves a chance to live the rest of his life being loved by Brenda and enjoying good health.
PLEASE GIVE HIM THAT CHANCE!
