Because of you, he has a fighting chance

Earlier this year, we had a hell of a time rescuing a dog family from an abandoned house.

The houses where we rescue are falling apart. They are so cold and dark, many have hundreds of hiding places among the trash, unstable floors, and broken furniture left behind. When a little puppy is scared, they can just shut down, making it nearly impossible to find them - even if you walk right next to one.

It took about a week, but we finally rescued the mom and all of her puppies. After that rescue, we put together a fundraiser for a thermal camera. We researched and researched until we found the FLIR E8-XT. Because of your generosity, hope, and belief in us, you chipped in to help us leave no puppy behind. We have used this camera many times already to ensure we have all the puppies when we rescue litters (allowing us to sleep at night!). But today, the camera helped us save a life. In our eyes, it has already paid for itself, and we thank you for helping us acquire it.

The call came in at the end of the workday. A truck driver stopped in a park to take a break when he saw a little brown puppy in a tub on top of a trash can. He had to get back on the road so he called us and we headed over to get the little guy.

But when we got there, the sun had set and the park was pitch black. We found the tub on top of the trash can, but the puppy was gone. Did someone grab the puppy in the short time it took us to get here? Did he jump out and run? Did someone lift him out of the tub, set him "free," and leave? This was an extremely frustrating situation to be in. Donna got the FLIR camera out of the rescue Jeep. She powered it on and used it as her eyes as she scoured the area of the park he was originally in. And lo and behold, deep in the leaves, a little soul showed up on the screen. She climbed in with her flashlight and still almost didn't see him, he blended right in with his surroundings. But she saw his little eyes look up and was able to rescue him.

"The puppy was tan. The leaves were almost the exact same color so there was no way I would’ve ever found him with my flashlight unless he moved. And he wasn't going to budge. I was immediately so happy that so many of you chipped in so we were able to purchase this tool that saved this puppy’s life!" - Donna Lochmann

As soon as she picked him up, she knew something was wrong. He wasn't a healthy puppy. In fact, he was very sick and needed help. He immediately tested positive for parvovirus, a common yet very deadly disease puppies can get when they are not vaccinated. He was lethargic, vomiting, had a high fever, and absolutely no appetite.

This little puppy we named Flir is now fighting for his life. We are so thankful he is not dying alone, out in the cold, miserable and scared. We're guessing whoever dumped him in the first place did so because he was ill. We thank the truck driver for caring enough to get him help. We thank the people who all chipped in for the thermal camera. And now, we ask you all to send this little puppy all the strength he needs to get through these critical few days.

Parvovirus is a horrible and very deadly disease, so please get your dogs and puppies vaccinated to save so much heartache. Flir is getting the very best care in the world. Now it's up to him, if he has enough strength to fight through this. He's so young and little, we are really worried about him. But we know he can do this. Send him your positive vibes, your prayers, and all the goodness you possibly can. He needs it!

"I knew in my heart that had I not found him, he wouldn't have made it through the night. Temperatures were so cold, and as cold as his little body already was, we absolutely would’ve lost him. I was even more grateful that I had the tools I needed to get this puppy help." - Donna Lochmann

If you can give to his medical care, contribute right here. We received a quote of $3,500 - $5,000 from the emergency vet before he can come home to us. Remember, every dollar counts - it all adds up. No lifesaving gift is too small. 

This is why we participate in fundraising events just like the Slumber Pawty. So we can raise more for little souls like him. Give now to help him, OR start your own fundraiser and multiply your impact through the help of your family and friends. 

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UPDATE on Flir 3/20/23:

Flir has not given up! This little puppy is a WARRIOR! He has a horrible case of the deadly parvovirus. He has had to have two blood and plasma transfusions, which have definitely helped. His red blood cell count is holding and he is eating on his own. He is still at the emergency vet getting the best care there is. We are hopeful he will be able to come home in the next day or two! He's not out of the woods yet, but we know he can do this. 

In the last week, he has racked up quite a medical bill, but at Stray Rescue, we won't give up on an animal that is fighting! We got to go see him and he was perky, alert, and fighting hard. We know you can do this, Flir! A beautiful life is waiting for you, just don't give up! 

To help us raise the funds to cover his vet bill, please give here. Every amount adds up and he thanks you for caring about him when no one else did!