Save-A-Mutt

GiveBig 2025 - Medical Need is on the Rise!

Anyone who owns a pet has seen an increase in the cost of veterinary care. Now, multiply that increase by HUNDREDS! It's barely six months into the new year - and Save-A-Mutt has taken on quite a few medical cases. Save-A-Mutt loves to attend events, sharing our mission and raising funds to cover emergencies beyond the normal vaccinations, spays and neuters, and overall health care. 

Mother Goose was our first mom and pups of the new year. Just three days into rescue, the entire family broke with the deadly Parvo Virus.  They became a little famous when the rescuing party posted a TikTok video and even The Dodo shared the story of Mother Goose and her babies. On the back end, the total veterinary cost was over $11,000. Happily the entire family lived and are happy and healthy. Unfortunately, funds were pulled from our 'safety' net to pay off the veterinary care. 

Lenny, a sweet senior was dumped a the local shelter. An untreated torn ACL was causing him great pain. After a few month of crate rest, it was decided surgery was his best treatment for a life of play and romping. Just over $4,000 was the price tag for his happiness and we couldn't say no. Lenny is almost ready for his new home. 

BeBe was found on the side of the road, in the dark. What was shocking, is that BeBe is likely a purebred English Bulldog. At first we thought some 'inappropriate urination' was just a UTI. Bloodwork and a U/A showed nothing. An ultrasound was clear too - no stones. BeBe had been bred before and complications from her previous c-sections created an emergency spay surgery. Thank goodness her amazing foster family was keeping a close eye on changes in her symptoms... they fell in love with her during all the medical crisis and adopted her!

Fozzie Bear was an owner surrender and unfortunately - as a doodle, his grooming care was overlooked. A foster noticed a foul smell from his ears. What should have been a simple treatment for an ear infection, became sedation and removing mattes from the deepest channel of his ears. Of course there was infection and inflammation that needed additional treatment and medications. Over $700 in care wasn't even covered by his adoption donation. He found an amazing home with another doodle and will make sure Fozzie's ears will always be groomed.

Walter was a sweet little poodle, we didn't know much about him when we took him in from a good Samaritan who found him as a stray. After his first veterinary exam, it was apparent that Walter had a TON of medical issues. He was nearly blind with severe eye issues, had a heart murmur and was just a mess. Walter is a love, and he became the first SafeHaven dog of 2025. 

Chloe was part of an 18 dog hoarding case. We took four of the dogs including Chloe. After a few weeks of decompression - her foster noticed she had severe bad breath. It's not uncommon for a small dog to need a dental, but at just about a year old, this was unusual. Her veterinary dental discovered a fractured tooth AND five additional teeth that had enamel issues - perhaps from a puppyhood issue. Chloe had SIX teeth removed and another veterinary bill of $900, double the cost of her adoption donation.   

Save-A-Mutt has always been proud of their ability to work with a variety of veterinary professionals to get the BEST care for our Adoptees. This year for GiveBig, we are hoping to build up the cushion of our Emergency Fund so that we can say a simple YES when the next Lenny, or BeBe or Chloe need our help. 

Mission

Save-A-Mutt is a small, volunteer run rescue that works to pull dogs from shelter systems and prepare them for forever homes. Save-A-Mutt's 'Foster First' program puts shelter dogs - from puppies to senior dogs - into foster homes. Once placed with a foster family, those dogs receive socialization, medical care and love! The family observes each dog and those observations help Save-A-Mutt place the dog in a forever home that is best suited for their personality and needs. In 2024, we spent over $30,519 on foster expenses - food, toys, puppy pads, etc. - and another $97,160 on veterinary costs.