In the words of our founding partner, Robyn:

We would like to share with you, a little background on an important part of Real Dog Rescue . . . the Copper Fund.  We have wanted to introduce the Copper Fund for some time now, but sharing Copper’s story was an emotional and difficult challenge for me.  As some of you know, shortly before the inception of Real Dog Rescue, my “heart dog” Copper was diagnosed with Lymphoma. This was in addition to having previously been diagnosed with Leukemia. To say I was devastated is a massive understatement. I lost Copper 3 months after the Lymphoma diagnosis and I was paralyzed by the immense loss of his presence, his spirit, his love, his everything. It was hard for me to even think about the creation of this fund because it felt too overwhelming to admit that he was truly gone. I ultimately chose to see this not as a memorial fund, but rather a way to honor Copper.

Copper had a very rough life before he made his way to me. He had been badly abused, resulting in an inability to trust people. He was always on the offensive, ready to make the first move before someone could hurt him. It took time, but he eventually realized that I didn’t want to harm him, I just wanted to love him. After that realization, we were inseparable. Copper’s story is one of courage and spirit. He was persistent and persevering, and his passion and love for life was contagious. He taught me how to fight and to never give up on the ones you love.

Real Dog Rescue was founded on the belief that every dog matters. As a result, dogs like Copper, will never be turned away just because they are sick or injured. We will fight for those dogs in the same way Copper fought for his life and the same way I fought for him. We will do whatever we can do to save them from injury, pain or suffering. We will take every measure to give them the best chance at a happy and healthy life. This fund, in honor of Copper Hendrix, gives all of our special needs dogs, the chance at life that they may not otherwise have.

The Copper Fund is a fund for Life, Hope, and Second Chances for dogs with special needs . . . because every dog matters.

Robyn

Your donation goes directly towards our most dire medical needs rescues:

·         $50.00                           MEDICATIONS/SPECIAL DIETS

·         $100.00 - $150.00          MEDICAL BOARDING PER NIGHT

·         $200.00 - $250.00          EMERGENCY VETERINARY CONSULTS/BLOODWORK

·         $500.00 - $750.00          DIAGNOSTIC TESTING/ULTRASOUNDS/X-RAYS

·         $1000.00 - $3000.0        EMERGENCY/CRITICAL CARE

·         $5000.00+                      LIFESAVING TREATMENT FOR SEVERE MEDICAL

OUR LATEST MEDICAL RESCUE: SMUDGE

Friends,

We recently received an urgent call from a kind veterinary technician who begged our rescue to help a critically injured Cocker Spaniel puppy.

Tiny little Smudge, just 8 weeks old and barely 8 pounds. had been accidentally run over by a car and was fighting for his life. There was little time to think about what to do. There were two options: commit to taking Smudge and saving his life, or tell the animal hospital that we would be unable to help. Given our recent influx of dogs with costly medical issues, we were really in no position to take in yet another huge medical case, but after seeing Smudge’s sweet face and hearing of his critical condition, the choice was simple. We needed to Save Smudge.

Smudge’s case was reviewed by several emergency doctors and specialists, all of whom worried about the toll that his injuries would take on his tiny body. His initial exam revealed pulmonary contusions (bruised lungs), fractured ribs, a shattered femur, a cracked elbow, fractured pelvis, a large hernia, and his bladder was protruding.

It was truly a miracle that Smudge was still alive.

Unfortunately, due to his bruised lungs and difficulty breathing, Smudge was not strong enough to undergo immediate surgery. In the days following the accident, he needed round-the-clock supportive care, including medications and oxygen to stabilize him. Yesterday Smudge had surgery to repair a prepubic tendon that had ruptured, creating a large hernia and protruding bladder. He made it through that surgery, but still has a long road ahead. Smudge’s medical bill is already almost $7,000 and that is just the beginning. Smudge will need additional surgeries, physical therapy and follow-up care.

In spite of all the pain and trauma he has been through, little Smudge is pure love and sweetness. Each day his fan club grows and he has become everyone’s favorite patient at the animal hospital. He has so much more to share with this world, and we have to give this sweet puppy a fighting chance!

Smudge needs prayers, well wishes, and love sent his way. Real Dog Rescue needs financial assistance to properly care for this baby. We ask all of our friends and family to spread the word and to please donate if you can. Every dollar helps us to help Smudge. No amount is too small. As always, thank you for your support. #SaveSmudge

To donate by mail: Real Dog Rescue, P.O. Box 7106, Oakland, NJ 07436

Please reference “Save Smudge”