About the Campaign
Donatello is a 1-year-old male Terrier mix with double cherry eye who needs surgery through the rescue Paws4acause (founded by Nancy Hofrovk). Cherry eye happens when a gland in the corner of the eye pops out and becomes red and swollen. It can cause irritation, dryness, and chronic inflammation if it isn’t corrected. Donatello has developed cherry eye in both eyes, and repairing it will not only improve his comfort and eye health—it will also make him more adoptable, giving him a real shot at the forever home he’s been waiting for.
Donatello came to the rescue when he was just six weeks old, flown in from Bakersfield with his mother and siblings after being found on the street. There were five puppies total, and they were named after the Ninja Turtles. One by one, his siblings were adopted—but Donatello is the shy one, the only one still waiting.
The cherry eye developed after Donatello was rescued. It started in one eye, then the other. Nancy says Donatello has had adoption interest, but the condition has made it harder for families to commit, both because it looks alarming and because adopters worry about the cost. That’s why this fundraiser is such a “two-for-one”: surgery helps Donatello feel better now and helps him get adopted sooner, freeing rescue resources to save the next animal too.
Paws4acause wants to do the procedure as soon as possible, but funds are tight. Like many small rescues, they’re caring for multiple animals at once, including several special-needs cases, and veterinary bills add up fast. They’ll always say yes when an animal needs them—but it means they depend on community support to cover surgeries like this.
Donatello deserves to see the world without irritation and redness—and he deserves a family. He may be shy at first, but Nancy says he wants love and attention, and he’s ready to be someone’s dog.
Donations will help cover Donatello’s cherry eye surgery and related veterinary care so he can be comfortable and truly adoption-ready. All donations are paid only to the veterinarian. Estimate below, click to enlarge:
