About the Campaign
The letter from Ollie’s mom asking for help!
“As a volunteer foster mom for the humane society for years, I specialized in pitbulls with physical or emotional challenges. Sometimes they had both. Many damaged dogs came to our house & left with what they needed to help them find a permanent home. But, Ollie….Ollie was special. He instantly stole & broke my heart at the same time.
At just 3 months old, the little one had been picked up as a stray, missing most of a front foot. Humane society vets did their best but could not save Ollie’s foot. They took the entire left front leg and removed everything including the shoulder blade on that side. He came to us the day after amputation. Alone & afraid. My heart melted. My own dog, a pit named Ursa (who looks amazingly like Ollie) took over. She became the mother he needed so badly. Of course he couldn’t nurse from her, but she gave him everything else he needed. Comfort, cuddling, companionship & a reason to go on. She knew just what to do. They’ve been inseparable ever since.
Ursa and Ollie (as a puppy)
I didn’t really want to adopt another dog but Ollie needed us so much. He had been thru a tremendous lot for a baby. When it came time to end the foster & return Ollie to the shelter, I just couldn’t take him back. We wanted him to stay with us where he could be a complete dog with as normal a life as possible. Special needs dogs don’t have the best chance of being adopted from shelters. And he was a pitbull – another strike against the likelihood of adoption. And we loved him so much.So, Ollie came to be part of our family. That was 9 years ago. We’ve not regretted it for one day.
He developed into what people have described as “the world’s happiest dog.” He lives a full life. He loves everybody & they love him back. And species doesn’t matter to Ollie either. Some of his best friends are cats.
And he loves Cherokee and Izzy, our two miniature horses.
He has had the best life we could give him. He does, however, have very bad arthritis in his remaining front leg because dogs carry 65% of their body weight in front. He got along okay with medication and struggling. But In the last year, he has developed a very large “fatty” cyst on his chest & another on his rear knee. Now he struggles even more.
On his vet visit last week, the vet checked a newly developed lump. The worst news: It is mast cell cancer. She advised surgery as soon as possible. She checked him all over & he also has a cracked tooth. Another has such a growth on it that the tooth itself can’t even be seen. They must be removed.
I am a senior citizen with a very small income. And Ollie, he is the perfect dog – sweet, funny, mannerly, attentive, smart and more.
At my wit’s end, I am asking (well, pleading) for help in paying for Ollie’s surgery. Despite his challenges, this little guy gives his all, every time, to everyone & every critter meets.
Please help Ollie. He & Ursa are both goodwill ambassadors for pits. Thank you for considering a donation, from the bottoms of our canine & human hearts.” – Karen
Click the Ollie-5290 (below) to see the vet estimate:
Free Animal Doctor raises money for sick and injured animals. FAD only raises the amount of money needed stated from the vet. FAD pays all animal veterinary bills directly. All donations are tax deductible.
11 comments
Sue Danielson
Aw, I’m so sad to hear this diagnosis, but I’m so encouraged to know that surgery is possible and Ollie can be helped! Your story of how he came to your family is inspiring and heart warming. He is a sweetheart, and a determined boy! He will keep on trucking!!! I will share your request for donations and make one myself, of course!
November 7, 2019 at 4:29 pm
Lu Leone
Ollie needs this chance. He looks so happy!!
November 7, 2019 at 7:27 pm
Joe Waldholtz
I am so proud to know Ryan and the good works that Free Animal Doctor does. Karen Franchini watched my Cassius daily for many many months. Ollie is his dear friend. I know we can help them both. I care about them both so much.
November 8, 2019 at 8:48 am
Maryann Izzarelli
Sending hugs…Maryann and the Brats
November 8, 2019 at 10:12 am
Stephanie Selice
We love you, Karen, and we love your animals. From Steph and Jeff
November 8, 2019 at 2:29 pm
Jeffrey Reed
Karen, this is from Steph, Callie, Dorian, and me. We love you.
November 8, 2019 at 2:39 pm
TERRY KUEHNER
Ollie deserves a chance. <3
November 8, 2019 at 9:36 pm
ANNA MONTANEZ
Ollie deserves to be pain free! Anyone that can donate a little should try and do so. Love this little dog.
November 11, 2019 at 8:14 am
Jeffrey Reed
Merry Christmas to Ollie from Steph and me. We love you.
November 21, 2019 at 8:39 pm
Stephanie Selice
Here’s to your feeling well again, Ollie! Happy Thanksgiving, sweet boy. Love, Steph and Jeff
November 21, 2019 at 8:44 pm
Karen
Ollie & I (and Ursa) thank everyone for their generosity. We are overwhelmed. Free Animal Doctor provides a great service and helped greatly . Miranda’s People gave us grant that pushed us over the top. Can’t thank either group enough. Both are incredible.
And our friends? What can we say? You are the very best. Caring about Ollie so much & making sure this little boy has a chance. All will be covered thanks to YOU.
November 27, 2019 at 8:02 am