Compassionate Hearts Fund
Sometimes animals come to us needing a little extra TLC and medical care. They may be sick or injured or have conditions such as heartworms, a potentially fatal condition if left untreated. Donations to the Compassionate Hearts Fund are used to help cover veterinary expenses for animals with special medical needs. Thank you for helping these special animals.
Sunnie
Sunnie, a 4-year-old purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, is a very sweet boy whose teeth are in bad shape. He needs a dental cleaning and possibly some extractions. Once he has a clean bill of health, he'll be available for adoption.
Sunnie’s foster family reports: Sunnie is very sweet, LOVES to be around people and makes himself at home easily ;0) He seems to be housebroken (we haven't had any accidents) and is quite a cuddler. On the shy side around other dogs, but he still gets along just fine with them.
Will you help Sunnie with a donation to our Compassionate Hearts fund for animals with special medical needs?
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Karl
Karl, a dear two-year-old St. Bernard was apparently lost or abandoned by his owners. He has a microchip, but the owner's home had been foreclosed and the phone disconnected. Karl appears to have spent a considerable amount of time outside. The hook on his collar was rusted, he had a small injury to one leg, and has some bare patches where he's lost fur. At 133 pounds, he's actually quite skinny. You can feel his bones when you pet him. Karl's blood and liver function tests look a little "off", so he needs a few more tests to figure out what's going on. He's a dear, loving dog and will be available for adoption once we're sure he's good and healthy.
Will you help cover the cost of Karl's tests with a donation to our Compassionate Hearts fund?
Betsy
We recently pulled two beautiful Maine Coon/domestic long haired kittens we named Athena and Zeus (now adopted) from a local animal control facility, and we couldn't bring ourselves to leave their mom, Betsy. At first glance, Betsy appeared to be a Scottish Fold, but upon closer examination, we saw that her ears were folded down not because of her breed, but due to earmite infestation and infection. Probably from scratching the earmites, the right ear had developed a huge hematoma, a solid swelling of clotted blood within the tissue, and the left had obviously had the same at one time, leaving the ear permanently misshapen and disfigured. When we picked her up, she purred so loudly, and was so sweet and loving; we just couldn't bring ourselves to leave her. Initial treatment was encouraging but she will need surgery to install a drain in her ear for it to heal completely.
Will you help Betsy with a donation in her name to our Compassionate Hearts fund to help animals with special medical needs?
Jan 17, 2012 update: Betsy's surgery is on Wednesday, Jan 18. Thanks so much to everyone who contributed to our Compassionate Hearts fund to help cover the cost of her procedure. We'll keep you posted on her progress.
Jan 19, 2012 update: Gail writes: "Betsy had her surgery yesterday, and was spayed at the same time. She's recovering nicely in my sunroom, and will be returning to the center in about 10 days. There was no sign of earmites yesterday. She's getting her bandage off on Monday, and her stitches out in 10 days. She's so cute with her ear bandaged! It's yet to be seen if she'll continue to look like a Scottish Fold, or if she'll end up with one ear up and one down. Ether way, she's an awesome cat! Thanks for all who were able to donate to the Compassionate Heart's Fund for her!"
Feb 3, 2012 update: Foster Mom Gail sent an update on Betsy - "She got her stitches out on Thursday, and has a clean bill of health. No more infection, and no more earmites! I can just tell she's feeling better. She's very intelligent and loving. She will actually get up on her back legs and swat at your hand as you walk by to ask you to reach down and pet her! It will be really hard to part with her, but she's ready for her forever home." If you'd like to meet Betsy, please contact Gail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Betsy's all healed!
Just after surgery:
Before surgery:
Elizabeth
Elizabeth came to us with her six puppies from Fulton County Animal Control where she was picked up as a stray (they believe it was actually her owner who called). She has a very sweet, laid back personality and loves to have her belly rubbed. Her puppies have been weaned (and will be available for adoption soon) and unfortunately, Elizabeth is heartworm positive.
Update 11/23/11 - Elizabeth was successfully treated for heartworms, thank you to everyone who helped! And she was quickly adopted, our best wishes go to her and her new forever family!
Update 12/19/12 - Cheryl Miller writes: Guess who is off of bedrest and heartworm free! Thanks so much to the Compassionate Hearts Fund for covering Elizabeth's heartworm treatment and to everyone at the GASPCA for loving her until we could take her home! ♥
Before adoption:
Gino and Izzy
Gino and Izzy, two handsome 4-year-old declawed Ragdoll mixes were picked up as strays by animal control. They both have growths on their gums that need to be evaluated and treated. Our vet has examined them, and they need x-rays, and possibly a biopsy and dental work. The initial evaluation will cost about $200. If you'd like to help cover the cost of their medical bills, please make a donation to Compassionate Hearts in their names.
Update 12/01/11 - The good news is these beautiful boys turned out to not have cancer, the great news is, they've been adopted!
Tanner
Tanner, an energetic 4-year-old Dachsund mix, is a new shelter resident who was just rescued from animal control. He tested positive for heartworms and will require treatment.
Update 11/03/11 - Tanner is completely healthy now and at our adoption center, ready to meet you! He is energetic, playful, and super friendly to people and dogs alike (don't know about cats!). He just wants a home where he will get lots of love and plenty of exercise.
Update 11/25/11 - Tanner has been adopted and we are so happy that now he can bounce around to his heart's content in his very own yard!
Bentley
We took Bentley to Lanier Animal Hospital in July, when he was experiencing weakness in his hind legs and couldn’t support himself to walk normally. Tests revealed a seriously low white blood count. This condition was successfully treated with antibiotics, and the function of his back limbs returned to normal, however, surgery may be the only option to correct the problem with his front limbs.
Update 9/23/11 - Bentley's medical evaluation was very positive. He may be able to avoid surgery entirely. He will need x-rays in a couple of months to re-evaluate his condition, but it appears he will have a happy, normal life. He's available for adoption at the shelter.
Update 10/26/11 - Bentley has been adopted by a wonderful family! We wish them all lots of sloppy doggy kisses!
Angel
This is a especially sad situation - little Angel was cruelly mistreated. Someone tied a cord around her tail, resulting in a wound so severe that her tail may need to be amputated. No one seems to know who owns this dear kitty. Angel was rescued in Gainesville by a kind soul, when she showed up on his doorstep.
We debated at length whether to show the photos of her injury, and finally decided to post them on a separate page, but be forewarned - these are graphic images.
Update 9/6/11: Angel's operation was very successful! She made it through her surgery with flying colors, and is now available for adoption at the shelter. Spread the word to see if anyone is looking to make her a part of their home!
Update 12/13/11 Angel has been adopted and is having the happy holidays she deserves!
