Smudge is a 5 year old pit bull mix who was adopted from a shelter following a horrific life.  He was a pull from a hoarding/fighting situation where over 150 dogs were confiscated as part of a cruelty case.  His teeth were ground down and he has many scars on his head and face.  He joined a couple which had another rescue, an emotionally fragile girl who was in desperate need of a friend.  Smudge adapted surprisingly well to his freedom, becoming a best friend to his little “sister”, and holding no grudges over what humans had done to him in the past.  The owners went their separate ways after awhile, but shared custody of Smudge and his sister.  One day, Smudge lost his appetite.  He became lethargic and lost approximately 10 of his 40 pound body weight.  The owners were not in a position to pay a large vet bill to diagnose his problem, so FL. CHAIN stepped in.  Smudge was seen for basic exam, bloodwork, and x-rays, all of which came back NORMAL!  It was recommended that he undergo an abdominal ultrasound, a procedure that the first vet was not equipped to perform.  Smudge was transferred to Dr. Amy Huff of Animal Clinic of Leesburg, where the ultrasound came back clean!  Still, with no diagnosis, Smudge was still not eating or drinking.  He was dehydrated, so was seen by yet another vet for IV fluids and an xray of his lungs.  Again, there was no diagnosis.  Smudge was placed on prednisone, and sent home.  He is currently eating and drinking some.  There is certainly continuing concern about what caused the severe weight loss and what might happen when the prednisone therapy is completed.  We pray for Smudge, and hope that he will recover from whatever strange malady has beset him!

Schatzee came to FL CHAIN’s attention on March 17th, 2021 via a facebook post requesting help.  She has had several health problems, the most severe of which is blindness and a complication of ruptured and bleeding eyes.  This condition is extremely painful from pressure behind the eyes and the build-up of blood, causing her severe migraines.  It was determined that this is an emergency, and she needs to have enucleation of both eyes ASAP!  Her owner is a widow on social security who also has cancer and is currently undergoing treatment, and has no money to help this poor little pup.   CHAIN immediately contacted Humanitarian’s of FL, asking for their help.  They have graciously stepped up to the plate, offering to do the surgery (previously quoted price from numerous other vets, ranging from $6,000 to $8,000) for a fraction of that cost.  Please donate to help pay for Schatzee’s surgery and relieve her terrible pain.  This little girl is very much loved by her owner.  Thank you.

Lucie was referred to us by a non-profit partner vet in March of 2021.  She came in with her elderly owner, whom we were told had “no money whatsoever”.  Lucie was very ill at the time, not eating or drinking and very lethargic.  She is a senior pup, so prompt diagnosis and treatment was urgent.  FL CHAIN authorized diagnostics at that time.  Lucie underwent bloodwork, exam, radiographs and hw testing.  It was determined that she had a severe URI and marked back pain (arthritis).  She was sent home with  antibiotics and carprofen, and is recovering nicely at home.  We are thankful that her prognosis is good.

We were alerted by an owner on March 8th, 2021, that her dog Charlie, a lab/golden cross, had been hit by a car two days prior.  She had  rushed Charlie to an emergency facility, where it was determined that he had sustained a severe break in at least two places to his right rear leg.  The left rear was also injured, but not broken.  The vet told the owner that they could  take the dog to UF where they might be able to repair the leg, but at a cost of several thousand dollars.  The family was also told that the leg could be amputated, at a cost of over $1,000, which, after paying over $700. to the emergency vet, they could not afford.  That vet suggested euthanasia as an option .   The dog was in severe pain.  The family reached out to Florida Chain for help, desperate to save their dog.  We went to work quickly, fund raising, and within 2 days, had collected enough money for Charlie to have his amputation through one of our trusted companion vets, Humanitarians of Florida (a non-profit vet clinic in Lecantro, FL.  HOF squeezed Charlie into their busy surgery schedule, and his operation was performed successfully.  He is at home now, resting and recovering!  

UPDATE ON RICKEE: (2/13/2021)  Rickee’s surgery went well, The largest of the three masses (approximately 10-12 cm) is the one that is concerning.  The specimen was sent out for evaluation, and should be back in a week or so.  The other two masses were also removed, but are of less concern.  Rickee continues to heal at home, and is in good spirits.  Updates will follow.

Rickee surgery estimate

Rickee (“Rikki”) was brought to our attention by Humanitarians of Florida, a non-profit veterinary clinic in Lecantro, FL.  Rickee presented to the clinic with three masses, one very large at the juncture of the left rear leg, which was painful and ominous.  It was opined that the mass could rupture and cause a life-threatening bleed if not promptly removed.  Rickee is owned by an elderly gentleman who lives on social security income of under $700 per month, and he could not afford the life-saving surgery necessary.  He had offered to forgo paying his electric bill and pawning the ring left to him by his late father, but even with that, would not have had the money to pay for the surgery.  Rickee’s dad has multiple serious health issues, lives alone, and the 7 year old pittie is all that he has.  FL CHAIN stepped in and raised money from some very kind people to get the radiographs, blood work, and surgery for this very loved and needed pooch.  Her surgery is Feb 9th.

UPDATE ON RONAN:  Ronan has returned to his old self, and is happy and loved at home.  His biopsy did come back as positive for cancer, but the vet feels, judging from the type of cancer found, that Ronan will be around for at least two more years (and perhaps, more!).  Meanwhile, Ronan is a happy camper, and gives great and reciprocal kisses to his momma!

Ronan is an 11 year old wire haired doxie who came to FL CHAIN’s attention when the owner posted an urgent need for financial help.  Ronan has a double ear infection, severe dental disease, and a tumor, (possibly cancerous) on his tail.  He has been seen by Humanitarians of Florida Veterinary in Citrus County FL, and an estimate was given for the two surgeries and meds needed.  Unfortunately, the owner could not get credit and could not afford the treatment for a very loved little companion.  The owner put up a gofundme page, but was only able to raise less than half of the needed monies.  FL. Chain was able to fundraise and to add $ from the general fund to cover the remainder of the charges, and Ronan will have his surgeries on January 27th, 2021!  Updates will be forthcoming.  Hugs and best of luck to little Ronan.

This wheelchair was donated courtesy of The Handicapped Pets Foundation!

UPDATE ON BELLA: 2/13/2021:  Bella underwent surgery on 2/11/2021.  The surgeon reports that surgery went well, and Bella is recuperating at home.  Although she has a wheelchair at her disposal, the vet opines that the chair should be postponed until such time as healing of the FHO surgery has completed.  He fears that she could tip over in the chair and injure her repair.  It will be four weeks until Bella’s progress can be accurately assessed, due especially to the complication of the patella-tendon rupture on the alternate leg.  Updates will occur.

UPDATE ON BELLA: 2/8/2021:   Bella was seen for pre-op consult by Dr. Culbertson of Town and Country Animal Hospital in Ocala.  Unfortunately, it was discovered that, although the plan is for FHO surgery on the right hip, the left leg has sustained a patella-tendon rupture, making it impossible for Bella to stand on that leg without very expensive and tricky surgery to either repair the tear or to fuse the leg.  That issue will severely compromise her recovery from the FHO surgery, as she will have no way to move without putting pressure on the operated side, which could negate the positive effects of the procedure.  We have secured  a wheelchair, hoping that such a step might make it possible for the operated hip to heal (4 week recovery under the best of circumstances).  The family has decided to go ahead with  the FHO surgery, as there is no viable option without it.  CHAIN will support the FHO surgery and pray for the best possible result.  Thank you all for your continuing help, and will continue to update following surgery on 2/11/2021.

On Christmas day of 2020, Bella the dog escaped from her sliding glass doors, we think due to fear of nearby fireworks.  Her family was away visiting Grandma in Daytona Beach for the day.  When they arrived home, Bella was gone.  Little did they know that Bella had run and been hit by a car, then dragged ten feet.  The kind man who hit her called Animal Control, staying with her until they arrived.  Bella was taken to Animal Services and had her leg stitched.  She had many other injuries, but AC did what they could.  Bella’s family located her, and saw the extent of her injuries.  They were in no position to fund her veterinary treatment.  In fact, the family car’s transmission had been slipping all the way from Daytona to Ocala, and that was their only mode of transportation.  Bella lives with 4 children, three of whom are autistic.  She is an emotional support dog for the children, sensing when they might have a meltdown, and quickly appearing on the scene to calm and comfort them.  This is no ordinary dog!

FL C.H.A.I.N. was contacted to see if we could help.  We paid the initial vet bill, including x-rays, pain meds, wound care, and antibiotics.  Bella went home with her family, but all was not well.  The wound began to smell, and the tissue was turning necrotic on the leg.  In addition, her hip on the other side had “popped out” twice.  Bella had to sleep on her painfully torn up leg, as her other side could not handle the pressure of the bad hip.  A re-visit to the vet resulted in the news that, if the infection could not be cleared, Bella would likely need an amputation.  To complicate her pain, Bella had bitten her tongue so hard that a piece of her tongue was severed.  In addition, her ankle was abraded when she was dragged.

Bella needed an orthopedic bed to try to aid her comfort.  The SPCA of Ocala kindly stepped in with a donation for that. Additional monies were raised through the donations of wonderful people, allowing C.H.A.I.N. to continue to assist Bella’s recovery.  Updates will continue on sweet Bella’s progress.

January 22nd, 2021 UPDATE:  Bella’s leg and ankle continue to heal.  She was last evaluated by her vet a few days ago, and was sent home with pain meds and a follow-up appointment for one month.  It appears that the leg has been saved and will not require amputation!  However, Bella’s contralateral hip is another story.  She has not been able to sustain femur placement, and will likely require FHO surgery when she is stronger.  She will be evaluated for surgery in three weeks.

Review and Update of the story of Bella:

Bella was hit by a car on Christmas day. Her family had been in Daytona visiting with Grandma. Fireworks near the family home had apparently terrified Bella, and somehow, she broke out of the slider door and was hit and dragged in the road. The good guy who had hit her by a good Samaritan, stayed by Bella’s side until Marion County Animal Services came for her. She was severely injured. She had very deep lacerations on her leg and ankle, had bitten a chunk of her tongue out, and had dislocated her hip. Animal Services stitched up her leg as an emergency procedure, but was not equipped to do more. Meanwhile, the family, unaware of the accident, was crawling home in their vehicle which was having serious transmission problems. When they finally arrived home and found Bella missing, they contacted Animal Services, and were devastated to learn of her severe injuries. They did not have the funds to save her, especially in view of the unexpected expense of getting their family vehicle repaired. Bella was taken to Silver Springs Shores animal Hospital in Ocala, and the family was faced with expenses which were beyond their means. FL CHAIN was contacted, and stepped in to help. There was a serious question as to whether Bella’s lacerated leg could be saved or would require amputation. The full extent of her injuries was not even known at that time, as all efforts went toward treating and saving the leg. Unfortunately, the leg became odorous, and there was a deep tissue infection requiring treatment.
Bella lives with her parents and 4 children, three of whom are on the autistic spectrum scale. She is an emotional comfort dog, calming particularly the eldest child whenever he had a meltdown. It was as if Bella could sense the anguish, and would go to the child to calm him. Bella’s mom is, of course, a stay at home mother. She worked tirelessly to save Bella’s leg. This treatment required daily debridement of the deep lacerations, a painful and painstaking procedure. Bella was not eating or voiding properly, and had to return to the vet on several occasions for IV fluid infusions. After extended home care and vet treatments, it was determined that Bella’s leg would not need amputation, which was a huge gift. However, Bella still could not walk. Despite the hip being “popped” into place 3 times, the procedure would not hold, and it became apparent that she was going to need FHO (“Femoral Head Ostectomy”) surgery on the contralateral hip.

Bella’s lacerations have nearly healed, and she is ready for surgery. Bella’s surgery is scheduled for February 11th with Dr. Culbertson of Town and Country Animal Hospital in Ocala. Below is the estimate for this procedure:

ZENA: Our first “rescue”.  We came across a plea on Facebook by her owner:

Money was subsequently raised to help with x-rays, bloodwork, and exam. We were able, with substantial help, to get surgery done for Zena. A huge, 6 pound tumor was removed from her poor belly. UGH. Two days later, Zena went home.

And this is Zena, getting love from her BFF!