A gentleman was traveling between two small towns when he noticed a person standing in the middle of the bridge with a dog and a litter of puppies. The person was staring down into the water so he stopped to see if he could help. The dogs’ owner told him he could not care for them, gave him the mom and pups, and immediately left the area. Their new “owner” was able to find a local rescue to take them all in and keep them safe.

One of the puppies was completely blind and had two undeveloped eyes. Many small towns in rural areas do not have Animal Control facilities, access to affordable veterinary care, or any other options for unwanted animals. Animals with special needs such as this puppy often are at an even greater disadvantage. This is why our regular Rescue Runs to these areas are saving the lives of so many animals.

Dixie and her puppies were among the lucky ones to have gotten on Wright-Way’s transport van to a new life. Her blind puppy received the surgery he so desperately needed. We are thrilled to update that this special pup was recently adopted to an incredible new family! Thank you for saving lives with us.

Last week we sent an email asking for your help with an injured momma dog named Josie that arrived in critical condition. She was nursing six young puppies when she was involved in a horrific tractor accident that tore her left rear leg off just above the knee. Despite her pain, she continued to care for her puppies. Her owners were unable to afford medical care for Josie, so they surrendered her and her puppies to one of our rescue partner’s who brought them to Wright-Way Rescue. When she arrived, immediate surgery was required to amputate the remainder of her leg and close the gaping wound.

We are happy to report that this brave momma dog made it through surgery and is doing quite well with her recovery. She is one of the most affectionate dogs! Her puppies' care has been taken over by our team, giving Josie some much needed time to relax and recover (and so she can be on pain management). Initially, she was slow to attempt to walk on three legs. The medical team helped her practice walking with a makeshift sling under her belly, and within a few days she was excitedly anticipating her walks outside! Josie is now ready for a foster family to continue her recovery. If you are interested in helping her, please reach out to our Foster Coordinator at foster@wright-wayrescue.org.

This Giving Tuesday, please remember that Wright-Way Rescue needs YOUR support to help more dogs like Josie and her puppies who otherwise would not have anywhere to turn. Thank you for helping us save her!

Last week a concerned individual stopped by our Admissions & Medical Services Campus asking if we could take in an injured cat. It was living outside her home and had a severe injury to its head. Staff told her to bring the cat in and we would do everything we could to provide it with care. She left and soon returned with the kitty.

Our veterinary technician and office manager took the cat into an exam room where they discovered the cat had an injury so significant that the skull was exposed. Without antibiotics, supportive care, and a clean indoor environment, this cat did not have a chance of survival. We accepted the cat and our veterinary team immediately began providing the expert medical care he desperately needed. Staff named the cat Goliath and we are happy to report that he is expected to make a full recovery.

Expert medical care on-site for homeless pets who arrive in need is a critical component to the work we do. Without it, saving cats like Goliath would not be possible. When you donate this Giving Tuesday, you give Wright-Way Rescue the ability to provide medical care and a chance for a loving home to injured animals who otherwise would not have a chance.

Wright-Way Rescue received an urgent plea from Centralia Animal Control, a small facility in rural Southern Illinois. They had a senior Bloodhound named Piper at risk of euthanasia. Her previous home had allowed her to run loose so many times that animal control decided, for her safety, she could no longer go back to her owners. The odds were stacked against this mild-mannered hound. She was a senior dog quickly running out of time. To complicate matters, she needed surgery to correct eye entropion in both of her eyes and remove a growth on her eyelid. These procedures were completely outside the means of the animal control facility.

When we heard about Piper’s desperate situation, we knew we had to act quickly. A volunteer arranged for her transport to Wright-Way Rescue. When she arrived she received her standard medical care and, within 24 hours, was in an experienced Bloodhound foster home. In 5 days she will undergo surgery to correct the eye entropion that has undoubtedly caused her pain and suffering for several years.

It is thanks to our donors that dogs like Piper are able to find safety and healing at Wright-Way Rescue. Senior dogs with medical conditions require resources that few animal control facilities can provide. But their lives matter! Piper is a great dog with years of companionship to give to an adoptive family. We are thrilled to report that she has a reservation for adoption after her medical care is complete.

You might remember the story about Lily we posted previously. Lily was seen being thrown out of a car on a country road near a busy highway. She sought shelter under an old hay wagon where she waited loyally for almost a week for her people to return.

As soon as Wright-Way became aware of her situation, volunteers headed out to find her. Lily underwent months of medical treatment for demodectic mange, blisters, open sores and infected eyes. During that time she also became a pro at all basic obedience commands.

Lily is now in her Forever Home!! Please consider a donation this Giving Tuesday to support our mission so that when a pet in distress like Lily needs us, we can say, “Yes!”