2026
Here are the dogs we have helped so far in 2026. We are pleased to make contributions towards their medical expenses to ensure happy and healthy lives for them all.
Please click on the Funding Requirements link on the left if you have a rescue dog that needs medical treatment beyond the ordinary needs of spaying/neutering, boaring, annual shots, and things like that. Please make sure you read and understand our requirements prior to making an application. The link to the rescue application is at the end of the requirements.
* * * You can now click on any picture to view an enlarged version. * * *
MUSH Rescue Inc. - Thor - GeorgiaThor is just a baby. He is four months old and was a stray. Mush Rescue pulled him from an animal shelter in Georgia. They are a small rescue organization which relies on donations to fund the dogs they help.
Thor was suffering from a broken leg and had likely been struck by a car. He needed orthopedic surgery to repair his right femur fracture (with screws and plates). He is expected to make a full recovery and is currently recuperating in foster care.
We hope Thor will find his forever home soon. We were happy to help with his expensive surgery. (June 2026)
Northern California Sled Dog Rescue (NorSled) - Solstice - CaliforniaMany kind and generous people were instrumental in saving this pretty three-year old, from the good Samaritan who found her hiding in the bushes, frightened and injured, tothe volunteers, foster caregivers, veterinarians and orthopedic specialists who gave her a new life.
The good Samaritan took Solstice to Stockton Animal Services, but they realized that her injuries were too severe for their resources so they contacted NorSled, who took her to their vet immediately. Judy writes that "she was suffering from severe left rear leg wounds and a traumatic right hip injury."
Solstice's first surgery—a recommended Toggle Pin Placement—was unsuccessful. She needed a second surgery: a femoral head ostectomy (FHO). An orthopedic specialist performed this procedure successfully. Solstice is well on the road to a full recovery in a foster-to-adopt home.
We appreciated Judy's detailed narrative and were very happy to help with the costly expenses NorSled incurred. They received another grant and a substantial donation from the good Samaritan! (June 2026)
Red Dog Ranch Animal Rescue - Cooper - California
Cooper was rescued from the crowded San Bernardino, CA, shelter by Red Dog Ranch. He was lame, but 3 veterinarians, including 2 specialists, could not figure out why until he was taken to UC Davis. Veterinarians there discovered he had a Canine Cruciate Ligament injury that was unusual. They performed surgery using arthroscopy, and Cooper now has an excellent prognosis.
We asked Cooper's rescuer for an update, and she stated that the surgery went very well. He is beginning his 6th week of recovery and, true to Siberian form, it's getting more difficult keeping him quiet. His follow-up appointment is at the end of April for x-rays to ensure the bone has healed properly and to create a plan for a gradual return to normal activity.
There will be substantial rehab after these 12 weeks have passed because of muscle atrophy. She thinks she has identified a family to adopt Cooper, but he will stay with the rescue until he is fully rehabbed and released by the surgeon.
SOS-SRF was pleased to help fund Cooper's surgery. (March 2026)
Credit for this story goes to Jane and Gail, our Newsletter editors. Cooper was our Spring Newsletter's Poster Pup.
Independent - George - Tennessee
Emma, a good Samaritan, pulled George from a Tennessee shelter when other rescues did not step forward. George was to be euthanized because he needed surgery for a deformed foot.
George is 6 years old and likely was born with the deformity. He was in pain and favouring his foot. Emma took him to various vets including an orthopedic surgeon, and while several non-surgical recommendations were made (e.g. braces), surgery was considered to be the best option.
We were pleased to help with George's medical expenses and wish him a happy and pain-free life with Emma. (February 2026)
Arctic Rescue - Moose - UtahMoose is 4 years old and was in foster care after Arctic Rescue pulled him from an animal shelter in Los Angeles. He was outside - unsupervised - when he ingested a number of rocks. All but one passed naturally, but a very large rock had to be surgically removed.
Lauren writes that Moose suffers from separation anxiety and is now with an understanding foster family who will monitor his outdoor times.
He is also undergoing treatment with a behavioural therapist and Lauren assures us that he will only be adopted to a family who understands his predilection for rocks!
We were happy to help Moose and pleased that he is recovering well. (February 2026)
