Abused Puppy Rescued and Fighting for Her Life

On April 1st, an emaciated puppy with a very swollen abdomen was brought to Hopeful Tails Animal Rescue by a concerned volunteer who convinced a friend to help save her from her current living situation. That person felt the puppy was being abused by her previous owners after witnessing social media posts of them tossing her around in a cage. One of the Hopeful Tails board members convinced them to give her to the rescue so they could get her the medical care she needed (and get her out of that situation).

Board member Angela Rodriguez said, “She was named Hope because we know she has a hopeful future with our community's help.” She fed Hope that evening, upon her arrival to the rescue. “You could tell she was starving. She was so happy to be fed. She was afraid of everyone and everything.”

The next morning (April 1st) she was taken to the veterinarian because she had a very swollen abdomen, was having trouble breathing and was emaciated. She was immediately put on IV fluids, had blood work done and X-rays of her abdomen (which showed a large amount of fluid). 100 ml of fluid was drained from her abdomen and it was recommended that she have an echo cardiogram (because the vet diagnosed a grade 4 heart murmur and was thinking the fluid build-up in her abdomen was because of her heart). The results from the echo cardiogram revealed her left heart valve muscles are not working, so she is need of a consult with a cardiologist specialist.

Hope has a cardiologist appointment scheduled for April 25th at the University of Wisconsin. They will be running their own tests on her (which will be roughly $600-800) to make sure she is healthy enough to under-go surgery. If she is healthy enough, the estimated cost of the surgery is $3,700-4,000. The rescue has not received a bill yet for the 3 weeks that she has been at the vet’s office already, but they expect it to be in the thousands due to all of the procedures, test and around the clock care.

“Stepping in and saving any dog in need is what rescue is about,” said Rhonda Colon, Hopeful Tails Board President. “Our first priority is doing what is right, at that moment, for that dog. Then we can fundraise and figure out the financial details next. We are a not for profit and rely solely on our adoption fees and donations from the community and fundraisers to pay all of the expenses that keep our doors open. Dogs with large medical bills like this can be a huge burden on a rescue, but her life is worth every penny!”

In order to help cover her excessive medical costs, Hopeful Tails has set up a YouCaring Fund.

Rodriquez stated, “We will continue her treatment and do what is in her best interest every step of the way. This little girl has had a rough first 14 weeks of life. Even with all she has been through she will greet you with a wagging tail and give the softest kisses.”