Did you know that not every animal we get contacted about becomes a fundraising campaign?
Macaroni showed up in a neighborhood with some stray cats, but he wasn't fitting in. A local animal advocate noticed him, and thought he looked like a domesticated cat that may have been dumped there.
She managed to trap him, and indeed, he was friendly! (Not feral):
What happened? Probably dumped. This poor boy was lost, confused and not suited for the "streets". We made a deal with the local Humane Society: We'd get him all vetted, blood test, full exam. If he was not microchipped, and was healthy and we got him neutered, they would take him in and find him a home.
This is because of donations from $5 Friday and other donations to Free Animal Doctor!
And guess what? He clearly had been a house cat. Macaroni was neutered already. He didn't have any diseases, such as FIV. He had some minor kidney issues and anemia, but the vets says that is probably all just due to the stress of being homeless, and dehydration.
The Humane Society says that since he had a full check up and blood test, and came out totally healthy, he should be easy to adopt as a friendly, domesticated, and HEALTHY kitty! They took him in earlier this week and he already has applications in to adopt him. This is his adoption link: https://www.hsnba.org/listing/68933-macaroni-nfc202510947/
Support Free Animal Doctor with FIVE BUCKS, that's all! It means a lot to us, and we will put it to great use doing what YOU WANT: Helping animals in need. Donate $5 real quick, right here: https://taplink.cc/freeanimaldoctor
Chilli is one of the cases I am most proud of in 2024!
A stray, abandoned Pittie, Chilli was found in south Los Angeles in April of 2024. What dog has less of a chance? Is more forgotten, ignored? More disposable?
But when people heard this street dog had a heart condition, a birth defect, and that surgery was close to $10,000 to save her life, what happened?
One hundred and fifty-three people donated to get her that surgery!
Chilli's Story: A request for donations to help her
Or should we say procedure? Chilli had Pulmonic Stenosis, a birth defect in the heart where the valves are thick and stuck. It happens in people too, and the solution is to send a little balloon up there, and push them open: balloon valvuloplasty. Prognosis with this procedure is excellent, especially when caught young like with Chilli!
The problem, it’s a heart procedure. Those aren’t cheap. You need a heart specialist. You need special equipment. These can get up over $10,000 pretty quick, and Chilli is just another stray Pittie, no one even wanted her, just dumped to run around the streets.
But Chilli had something. She had a dedicated couple that had rescued her, Samantha Schoen and James Poole, and she had access to Free Animal Doctor. And that led to getting that heart procedure. How?
Samantha got the excellent rescue organization Ace of Hearts to help Chilli. They found the heart specialist and got a discount as well, but it was still $8000. That’s where Free Animal Doctor came in. We provide a donation platform where donors can help Chilli knowing that their donation, 100%, will go to her care.
We hold the donations and pay them only to the specialist when the procedure is done.
No fees. The entire donation goes to Chilli.
And let me tell you a little secret, something people may not want you know: When you give people the ability to help, when they know their donation really will be used as they intend, you get 153 people donating $8000 to a stray Pittie they’ve never even met. Chilli proves it.
Post surgery summary:
That’s why I am so proud of Chilli’s campaign. Because I am proud of people, people like you, people who help an animal in need when given the opportunity. People who donated, who shared her story, and of course Samantha and Ace of Hearts. Free Animal Doctor provides the platform and all of these people come together, and Chilli get’s her heart fixed!
Today Chilli is doing great. The procedure went well. She had her follow up, and everything is fine. She is as healthy as any dog that never had this heart defect, and should live a normal, happy life! Samantha is still fostering her. She has a number of applications in and some meet-and-greets are set up already for January. And if you would like to inquire about adopting, you can! Email to adoptchonkychilli@gmail.com
Butter's happy story is almost to it's fabulous conclusion!
It starts sad enough, with a little dog in a over-full animal shelter in the desert of Riverside County. She was found stray, came in with the break and some injuries. Probably attacked by a coyote or larger dog.
The shelter put her in a splint, but did not properly align the bones. Maybe they tried but could not, maybe they didn't try, but the result was the result. We got her out a week after she had been in the shelter, and to a vet right away. She came to us with no antibiotics, and no pain medications. There was a slight internal infection, and x-rays showed the bones were not aligned. Tests came back showing she also had worms, which she had not been treated for at the shelter.
From there we started searching for a surgeon. We consulted with a number of doctors, and they all agreed her break would required a skilled orthopedist, a doctor specializing in bone surgery.
Butter is young, probably a little over a year old, but a young ADULT. Her arm was not growing anymore, so we had a little bit of time. But still, surgery cannot wait forever. We were getting estimates of $8000-$10,000 so we decided to put Butter's story out to the world. If enough people wanted to save her leg, and were willing to donate to her, we would do that. Otherwise we would have to take the second best option, which is amputation.
So many good things!
Doctor Teresa Schumacher helped us search for a surgeon. She is also the creator a series of videos on keeping your dog out of the ER (She is an ER vet). You can check those videos out HERE.
Besides the price, just finding an available specialist is hard, especially in Summer when many doctors take a vacation (like everyone else!). Fortunately Dr Schumacher found a board-certified orthopedist who could fit us in, and at a discount. Our fundraiser goal went from $8000+ to $6100. Still expensive, but $2000 closer in an instant!
We created the best fundraiser webpage we could. We promoted it all over social media, including paid ads on Facebook. And donors came in! Nearly 100 donations for Butter, from people all over the USA. People who had never met this little dog, stepping up to save her leg!
We reached the goal, got Butter in our van, and drove her to Ventura for surgery. She had the procedure July 25th. There was one complication, the end of the bones had started to callous over. When this happens the bone is less likely to grow back together. The body is realizing that the break is not going to heal (this break would never heal "naturally") and is sealing off the broken edges of the bone. Good news though: Butter was with a board-certified orthopedist that knows how to deal with this occurrence. He did a graft of bone tissue, then pinned the large bone to the wrist. The small bone will hold in place as it is stabilized from the large bone, so no pin is necessary there.
What now
Dr Schumacher is fostering Butter while she recovers from the surgery. Dr Schumacher's own dog had TPLO (knee) surgery the same week, and is on the same recovery schedule, so the two are doing their limited activity rest together! Also, what better foster for a dog recovering from a complex surgery than a veterinarian!
Butter has about two weeks of very limited movement. Basically, can go out to use the bathroom, that's it. Then about two weeks more of restricted movement, to about 10 minutes a day. And in between there will be check ups. After about a month, she should be able to get out mostly as any other healthy dog, though we will be more specific about that as we see how the check ups go.
Butter is also available for adoption! She is a 7 pound little girl of about 1.5 years, probably a terrier and chihuahua mix. She's pretty calm for her breed, and very friendly!
So that is Butter's happy story so far! From an attacked little stray, to the shelter, to rescue and surgery to save her leg. Now in foster care with a veterinarian, working on healing her leg and soon to find a great forever home. It's the power of crowdfunding done right!
Come hike with rescue dogs at Runyon Canyon in Hollywood, CA!
We offer multiple hike days and times, whether you like to start off your day with a good hike and then BREAKFAST, or a nice sunset hike in the afternoon, we've got you covered. All you have to do is go to https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/82265 and sign up. The experience is only $45 per person and is worth every penny. Prices subject to change.
England newspaper article
There is nothing better than getting outside for an exciting hike with spectacular views of the Hollywood sign, including sweeping panoramic views from Downtown LA to Santa Monica and the ocean on a clear day. But on this hike, you will have an adorable rescue pup by your side.
If you are traveling and miss your dog, then you are welcome to visit with our pups and get your dog fix. The hike is about 2.2 miles long with the first half being up the hill about 1000 feet, with frequent rest and water stops along the way. At the top, we will take a stop at the famed Hollywood sign bench and do a photo shoot with the dogs.
Article in newspaper in England
The next stop is on a peninsula overlooking nearly the entire city of Los Angeles with views from downtown to Santa Monica. This is our treat stop, where we will give the dogs a snack for being good boys and girls. Having different people give them treats helps to socialize the dogs by introducing them to different nice people who are feeding them.
The last half is a fairly steep dirt trail where you will need to be careful and watch your step as the trail is tiny, coarse gravel that can be slippery if you don’t have a good, tractional sole on your shoe. The good news is the steepest part is short and we have never had an accident. Typically, we take the dogs who can go off-leash, off their leashes so you have the use of both hands.
Rescue dog hike
You will learn not only about each pup and its backstory, but also some history of Runyon Canyon and the Hollywood sign. Very interesting! As a non-profit, Airbnb never takes a penny of the fee you pay for the walk. So 100% of the funds go to the animals. Most of the dogs we take in need dental, shots, chips, and spay/neuter, with some requiring more expensive, life-saving care.
This event is great for private groups, work teams, individuals, couples, and families, plus you can include your friendly dog if you would like. Check out the link below and we will see you at Runyon! Link below:
It was New Year's Day 2016. My little pittie/chow mix had just passed away in December. I was scrolling through Facebook and noticed a girl in one of my lost and found groups had posted about this small white dog she had found in her yard. She had taken the dog to a vet who said he was blind and about six years old. She was feeding him and keeping him warm and dry, but she couldn't keep him because she had multiple dogs in her home. She was asking for a foster or adopter to take him, because she had found out the dog's family had moved away and left him behind. Somehow he had found his way to her.
First picture of Willy
I decided, without even thinking about it, to help this little dog. Originally, I was going to foster him and look for a home. Well, I fell in love almost instantly. I decided to call him Willy. He was just so sweet and loving, after a few weeks I had decided to keep him. But at the time I was unemployed and I knew he needed immediate vet care. One eye was protruding from the eye socket. Turns out, he had glaucoma in that eye, a painful situation to be in. I had no way of paying for such an expensive surgery. The other eye had a thick cataract.
First haircut and bath
So, I began to search for help online and on social media. Someone, I don't even remember who, put me in touch with a Maltese rescue. I contacted them and told them that I would be willing to give him up if they could pay for his surgery. The rescue told me they didn't have the money either. However, she knew about this new organization called Free Animal Doctor. They help pet owners raise money for vet treatments they cannot afford. The idea being, to keep the pet in the home rather than being surrendered to a shelter or dumped. She gave me their information, and I contacted Ryan at Free Animal Doctor to tell him my story.
Ryan immediately said he could help, and he wanted me to keep the dog. Since Willy already had a loving home, it would be easier to raise the money than find another person willing to take in a blind dog.
Willy before eye surgery
So, we scheduled the surgery to remove the protruding eye with my local veterinarian, Dr. Moon. When I picked him up, this little man looked rough, like a mini Frankenstein. But I continued to look after him and keep his cone on so he couldn't scratch the eye. Once his stitches came out, he was a new dog. Happy and feeling amazing.
Willy after his eye removal surgery
Willy at the office after stitch removal
Today, this little guy has me on a tight string. He has me fully trained and at his beck and call. Willy is around 16 and slowing down, but still going strong. He has the biggest and bossiest personality ever. Love my little boy!
The day my sweet little foster girl went to her new home up in Oregon, I was already thinking about my next foster. After a few days, I decided to go to the East Valley Animal Shelter and "just see."
I got there and went into the area where the kennels are. It was so overwhelming, I came close to running back out in tears. But, I knew that in order to save another life, I would need to prepare myself and forge ahead. It was truly heartbreaking seeing hundreds of amazing dogs being held in these cold, concrete cages. Mostly, huskies and shepherd-type dogs. No dog does well in a shelter setting, but these two breeds, do exceptionally bad in cages. They were pacing, howling, jumping and in general distress. Again, I was broken-hearted for all of these dogs.
I had gone in looking for a smaller dog, since I am in an apartment, with three other dogs. Two of which are elderly, blind and one is both deaf and blind. There were not many small dogs there at all, and the ones that were there, all had adopters that were coming back to get them once their hold time was up. So, I ended up just roaming around in the kennel area for about two hours. I was trying to figure out which dog needed me the most.
Most of these dogs would bark and run up to the kennel door, jumping for attention. I noticed one kennel that appeared to be empty. But when I looked deeper into the kennel, there was a dog curled up on a cot inside the cave-like part of the cage. I called him, but he just looked at me, not moving. He seemed shut down and, as if, he knew there was nobody coming for him. I read his kennel card. No behavior issues, goes by Levi, male, neutered, 1 year and 3 months old, owner surrendered.
Levi in the East Valley Animal Shelter
I continued to walk around until I found a volunteer to ask about Levi. She acted very shocked. She peppered me with questions. "Has someone told you about Levi? Why do you want information about Levi? Do you know this dog?" My answer was no and I was surprised at her reaction. I thought the reason the shelter existed is for people to view the dogs and adopt them. Perplexed, I asked why she was asking these questions. Was there something wrong with Levi? Did he have a bite history? What was it?
It turns out, she, being of an elevated age, couldn't handle him. She also told me he had gotten into a fight with his kennel mate once. I wasn't disuaded. Shelters are extremely stressful places for animals.
So, she said she would get another person to bring him to me to meet in the play yard. I waited for a very long time, but finally he came around the corner, looking very happy to be out of his kennel. The girl that brought him to me told me his entire story.
Levi in the play area of the animal shelter
Levi's owner had a female dog that had gone into heat. At six months old, Levi, just being a baby and a male dog, was humping the female dog. His owner decided to surrender him at six months old to the shelter. Nobody, during the entire 8 months of his time there, had ever shown any interest. Since nobody had shown interest in all that time, Levi was put on the red list. He had a date for execution and it was that Friday.
Well, that did it for me. This dog was 100% not going to be put down. So, as it was 5pm, by the time I got to meet and play with him, I left. I had to speak to Ryan with the rescue group. I had to speak to my boyfriend. Everyone said SAVE THIS DOG.
So, that is what I did the very next day. I flew over there after I got off work at 4, and we finalized the adoption into Free Animal Doctor. The entire time I was doing the paperwork, the shelter staff was trying to talk me out of adopting this dog. Why they didn't want me to get him and save a life, is beyond me. But I didn't listen.
Levi on his first night out of the animal shelter
We took him home and he is the perfect dog. He has a big personality, a goofy puppy, but smart as a whip. How he became house trained in a shelter setting is miraculous. But he has never had an accident in doors. He loves hikes and walks, but he could also be a big potato on the couch. Levi gets so much attention on the street. Everyone tells us what a gorgeous dog he is. I have to say, I wholeheartedly agree.
Levi relaxing after getting out of the shelter
Levi is currently up for adoption. Click on the adoption application on this site and apply to adopt the most beautiful boy ever. Adoption Application
One day, on a Friday, about 8 months ago, I was sitting at my desk job, scrolling through Facebook on my lunch break. I came across a shocking picture of a little white dog in a cage at the North Central Los Angeles Animal Shelter. I immediately burst into tears looking at this dog. His eyes were completely crusted over with a black colored discharge, so much so that you couldn’t even see his eyes at all.
Poppy in the North Central Animal Shelter
The shelter description said he was blind and in pain. I knew he had to get out of that cage straight away. I contacted Ryan at Free Animal Doctor and sent him the photo I had seen. He too was shocked at the appearance of this little dog. Ryan contacted the shelter right away to ask about this little male dog that was in such bad shape. When he called the shelter, he learned that this dog had been in the shelter for over a month in this condition, covered in fleas and was actually micro-chipped. The shelter had called his family, who declined to come get him. They had called him Pops and he was about 16 years old.
We both knew we had to save this dog from further pain and discomfort, plus the very real possibility of being euthanized. Neither of us could get over to this particular shelter that day, so Ryan found a transport to pick him up and bring him to me. By the end of the day, this dog was in my arms.
Poppy on his first night out of the shelter
I picked this dog up out of the transporter’s car and he smelled really bad. It was about an hour before I could leave work to take him home. Tears were waiting to fall from my eyes, he was in horrible condition. When I walked through the door to my apartment, tears were rolling down my face. I put him in the shower and gave him a good scrub. He slept like a baby that night in his soft new bed on a warm heating pad for his old doggy aches.
Fortunately, Dr. Adams, at Westside Pet Clinic https://westsidepetclinic.com was able to get us in the very next morning. Ryan and I met there at 10am that next day. I had decided to call Pops, Poppy. Because he was about to embark on a brand-new happy life and Poppy is a happy and uplifting moniker. But he was still in extreme pain due to the black crust covering his eyes. We couldn’t even touch his face.
Poppy at Dr. Adam's office
The vet said Poppy has a mild heart murmur, needed to have dental done and teeth removed, plus anesthesia to shave the gunk from his eyes, since nobody could touch it. Poppy had been through the ringer, but was about to come out on the other side. When I picked him up from the vet, he was even more pitiful than when he came out of the shelter.
Poppy after his vet appointment
He again came home and went straight to bed, slept all night in his soft, warm bed. The next day is when I could really get a good look at his eyes. One was completely missing from the socket, as if it had been gouged and the other has a cataract.
Poppy healed up very nicely and today, he is happy and healthy, warm and cozy at my home as my forever foster baby. Technically, he is up for adoption, but we don't expect anyone to adopt an older gentleman with no vision. He is perfectly welcome to stay with me for the rest of his happy days.
