Sweet Pinto was surrendered in awful condition to a local animal advocate.  He lived on a farm, and clearly, was not getting medical attention for his painful skin issues.  The advocate reached out to Florida Chain for assistance.  Pinto was seen the next day by Ocala Square Animal Clinic (one of our partner vets), where is was determined that he needed antibiotics for a secondary skin infection.  He had scrapings done, bloodwork, and injections of steroids.  It was also found that Pinto had worms and giardia.  He will have his follow up appointment in a week to determine the cause of his hair loss and skin inflammation. For now, Pinto has been placed on a fish-based diet (to rule out food allergy), and is fully flea treated.  Fortunately, he is heartworm negative, which had been a worry.  After Pinto has substantially recovered, he will become available for adoption.  His foster mother describes him as “a perfect dog”.  He is 11 pounds of joy.  He loves everyone, including cats he meets.  He is house trained and gentle!

(Pinto, on the road to recovery!)

This beloved girl is Maxene.  Chain received a heartfelt plea from Maxine’s elderly owner.  She was at the Maricamp Animal Hospital with pyrometra, a life threatening condition which required immediate surgery.  This gentleman was only able to raise a portion of the money necessary for the surgery, and he was desperate to save his best friend.  Florida Chain was able to provide the additional needed monies for Maxine to have her surgery.  She is currently back home with her dad and is expected to make a full recovery!  

Buddy got into a pack of trouble when he was attacked by 2 other dogs in his home.  The owner reached out to Florida Chain in tears, explaining that Buddy had sustained multiple injuries, some very severe, and that she didn’t have “5 cents” in the bank.  She applied for and was denied CareCredit.  Chain went to work quickly and was able to raise enough money (and then some!) for Buddy to have sedated suturing and drains put in by the Villages Urgent Clinic.  He was sent home with meds for pain and antibiotics.  Chain will continue to work with the owner to hopefully prevent another such awful incident from occurring in his own home.

Miss Lucy was obviously very ill.  She had lost a great deal of weight quickly and was having vomiting and bloody stool.  Chain was called upon to help, and Lucy was seen at the Villages Urgent Vet, where we got the devastating news that she had parvovirus, and it was not very likely that she would survive.  The vet recommended immediate hospitalization, which they we not equipped to provide. We requested that she be given fluids and anti-nausea meds.  She went home with her owner, and the next day, Chain partnered with OHAR (Open Hands Animal Rescue) to get her to Magnolia Animal Hospital.  It was a near miracle, but fighter Lucy SURVIVED .  She is home with her family and thriving.  We thank OHAR and our wonderful donors for helping to save her precious life.

Poor Puppy Jere, found tied up and “broken”, and very, very ill.  A lovely lady pulled her off her tether and brought her home and to the attention of Florida Chain.  Jere was seen at two emergency clinics to try to save her.  She was severely anemic due to a combination of hookworm and flea infestation, and would not have lived without a blood transfusion.   A wonderful donor stepped forth and donated enough money to cover much of Jere’s vet expenses, and this sweet girl made a full recovery and has since found an amazing adoptive home.  Happy tails, Jere!!!

Meet “BB”, a very much loved dog who showed up at Planned Pethood Cares at death’s door.  He was extremely ill, with what turned out to be a severe prostate infection which had made him septic.  His young owner had recently moved to the area and was seeking employment, so had no money at the time.  We weren’t sure if BB would make it, but thanks for the amazing vets treating him, he did pull through!  Chain was happy to underwrite much of the expense for BB, and we wish him a long and healthy life.

Poor sad Oreo came into Planned Pethood Cares with no money in his back pocket and a severe and painful eye hemorrhage .  He needed an enucleation ASAP, and Planned Pethood Cares reached out to Florida Chain for financial help.  Oreo was able to have his surgery to remove his pain, and gets along fine now with his other good eye!  Best life, Oreo!

CHAIN was approached for help by the person whose backyard in which this kitty had taken up residence. After having been TNR’ed  (trapped, neutered and released), this cat and her grown kittens were being fed while living outdoors.  Reportedly, they had been “barn cats”, from a nearby home. “Titania” had been found that morning with severe swelling in her leg, and she was unable to walk.  CHAIN arranged for kitty to be seen by one of our partner vets, Ocala Square Animal Clinic.  The person who had been feeding her did not have transportation to get the cat to Ocala, but was finally able to secure a ride.  CHAIN went to work immediately to fund raise for diagnostics, approximately $350. needed.  Dr. Albano determined that the cat would need a sedated exam and x-rays, as she was too painful to do a comprehensive exam on.  As it was late in the day, kitty was given pain meds and remained at the clinic until the exam the next morning.  The findings from radiographs were sad.  She had sustained a very severe break on the leg in question (looking like some kind of attack, per the doctor) and amputation was the only recourse. The cost of that surgery was likely to exceed $1,000.  We did not think we could raise sufficient funds to cover this surgery, and so arrangements were made to retrieve the cat from the vet.  Then along came a miracle!  Whispurring Woods Rescue offered to work in concert with CHAIN, going so far as to offer to “upfront” the necessary funds.  Our hero vet, Dr. Albano, performed the surgery immediately, and Kitty was saved!  CHAIN and Whispurring woods raised nearly enough money to pay for the surgery.  Kitty went to Whispurring Woods to recuperate from surgery. Sadly, upon close inspection of the shaved surgery site, numerous scars from repeated bite wounds were found.  This poor animal had not had a very good time of it in the past.  She looked like a chew toy for something, and had some fresh puncture wounds on her belly, as well.  Rest assured, sweet little Titania, you will never endure misery again.  We will find you a fabulous, safe indoor home where you will be treated as a princess!

CHAIN was contacted by one of our partner vets, Planned Pethood Cares, in Sumter County.  They had a sweet dog with a severe eye hemorrhage that needed immediate enucleation.  This is an extremely painful condition and is a true emergency.  The owner had very little money, putting down what he could, but a substantial balance would need to be paid.  CHAIN stepped in and offered to raise money for the surgery.  We were able to gather enough funds for Oreo to pay the remainder of his tab.  He is home with his daddy, and is doing well.  No more pain for this boy!

Yuki came to us via Humanitarians of Florida.  The poor boy was suffering from a bowel obstruction, and the owner had no money to save him.  She had applied for and been denied care credit, and Yuki was in sad shape, vomiting continuously and in great pain.  Together with Humanitarians of Florida, Florida Chain was able to raise enough money for Yuki to have his surgery.  A large portion of a toy was successfully removed, and today, Yuki is once again, a happy and pain-free guy…and playing with different kinds of toys!!