We hoped, we prayed, and we stayed on the phone with our volunteer throughout the night as Stich was rushed to Moscow for an urgent MRI test. New concerns had emerged in his condition – enough time had passed for medications to alleviate a cerebral edema, but he continued to drift in and out of consciousness, a warning sign we couldn’t ignore.
Today, the MRI report arrived, and its findings are utterly devastating. The head injuries were incompatible with life. The doctor explained that typically, such injuries result in immediate fatality, and the fact that Stich lived for five days after the accident can only be attributed to his young, strong heart. He fought for his life with all his big heart.
Stich’s heart ceased to beat at 17:10 local time, and he peacefully passed away, never regaining consciousness. To say that we are devastated is an understatement. We had wanted so badly to heal this boy and change his life, and we are grateful for all of you who hoped alongside us. While we couldn’t save him, we are very greatful to each one of you for making his last days comfortable, surrounded by humans who cared.
Stich remains in critical condition, in the intensive care unit, where he spends most of his time in a semi-conscious state. Doctors are tirelessly working to stabilize him. Fortunately, the ultrasound results show that everything appears normal, though there are minor deviations in his bloodwork, which is not unexpected.
I won’t even attempt to list all the fractures he’s endured, this poor, innocent soul. Yet, there is a silver lining – the integrity of his spinal column remains intact. The possibility of traumatic brain remains uncertain. He desperately needs an MRI, but we cannot administer anesthesia just yet, as concerns about his kidney function persist. He produces only small amounts of urine, facilitated through a catheter. Tomorrow, the kidney function test results will provide more insight.
Stich isn’t unable to eat or drink, relying solely on IV nourishment. He’s on diuretics and pain relievers, under constant 24/7 supervision. Through all of this, we hold onto hope. There is always hope.
We urge you to continue your support for Stich. His road to recovery will undoubtedly be filled with bumps and obstacles, but together, we can provide the light he needs at the end of this challenging journey.
FOR TWO HARROWING DAYS he laid helpless by the roadside in the dirt, barely moving his head left with only enough strength to force out faint cries. For two days, everyone passed by, snapping pictures (which were eventually sent to us), until this morning when we finally rescued him. The dog is in critical condition – he’s drenched in urine, both jaws are broken, his pelvis is shattered, his leg is fractured and he has a concussion. There are no visible signs of a spinal fracture, but he’s in a state of extreme shock.
He’s currently at the veterinary clinic receiving urgent care, where doctors are desperately trying to bring him out of shock. His response has been poor, but we are fighters, and we believe in the power of Love. We can’t yet tell what the future holds for Stich, but in times of extreme resource scarcity, we know that this soul deserves a fighting chance.
We anticipate that his immediate medical needs and required medical boarding will surpass $4,000. We are in dire need of your support to save Stich, and we ask for your donations. Please, don’t be a bystander; stand with us and help us rescue this suffering soul. After enduring two days of unimaginable agony, he deserves a shot at life. Every contribution, no matter how small, can save his life and make a world of difference.
Bazilio once saw the world brightly, but now over 10 and blind, he faces the dark and chilling reality of being less desired, his age and blindness overshadowing his spirit and hope.
Male
13+ Years old
Neutered
Large
At the shelter since 2020
He is old, this gentle giant closer to an Alabai, and he’s been blind for quite some time. His journey led him into a catch-and-release program, where he underwent neutering and was released back to the streets, with no one realizing his sight was gone. But when people noticed, they brought him back. That’s when we stepped in and brought him to the shelter. At that point, he was already about ten years old. His joints were aching, so he received thorough examinations, vitamins, and injections. Sadly, he stopped being able to stand on his own due to painful paws. Fortunately, there was an open pen with a wooden floor at the facility, where he was moved. Now, we gently carry him on towels. We’ve scheduled an appointment with a surgeon to provide him with the care he needs
Bazilio’s treatment is ongoing and he would appreciate some support from afar.
Anfisa arrived at the shelter in 2014 when she was a little puppy. All she ever longed for was a family of her own, but years went by, and her humans never showed up. Her graying fur a testament to the passage of time.
Old age should be a time of rest and comfort, but for Alpha, a senior German Shepherd of about 10-12 years, it’s filled with painful reminders of her traumatic past. Though her eyes plead for a loving home, most pass her by, drawn to younger, more agile dogs.
Female
10+ Years old
Neutered
Medium Size
At the shelter since 2020
Alpha would appreciate some support from afar.
Alpha’s Story
In November 2020, a motionless dog was discovered, resembling a German Shepherd, lying still. Upon closer inspection, a distressing sight unfolded—both hind legs were shattered, with protruding bones and tendons, wounds caked in dirt and straw. The dog appeared to have lain there for an extended period, with all wounds infected and necrosis setting in.
The individuals who found the dog didn’t transport it anywhere but rather alerted the shelter and continued on their way. It was November, with freezing nights, and they feared the dog might not survive another night outdoors. Hence, late in the evening, a shelter volunteer took the dog home for the night to transport it to a veterinarian in the morning. In the warmth of a home, the dog ate and fell asleep. They decided not to disturb her and leave her near the food bowl; she had already endured enough. This dog turned out to be a purebred German Shepherd, very elderly, and exceptionally well-mannered. They named her Alpha.
Alpha had a broken toe on one leg, with crushed bones and exposed dead bones. Her other hind leg had a broken thigh bone, which could be saved, pending a surgeon’s evaluation. Additionally, Alpha had pyraplasmosis and received treatment while hospitalized. Furthermore, test results indicated a tumor on her spleen and a tumor on her mammary gland. Alpha was eating, drinking, and thriving in the warmth, grateful for the care she received. She is a highly intelligent dog, fully aware that she was literally saved from death’s doorstep.
They performed osteosynthesis on her thigh bone, leaving her toes untouched for now. Possibly, the periosteum is still viable, and the wounds will heal. In any case, dealing with her toes would be more complicated for the dog.
After three weeks, a follow-up examination at the clinic revealed that her bones were healing incorrectly. Alpha was left at the hospital and underwent another operation. The longer an animal is without assistance, the more challenging it becomes to treat. Healing and adaptation are more difficult, compared to operating immediately.
Only in April 2021, after 5.5 months of treatment, was Alpha’s metal structure on her leg removed as her bones had fused. She began to walk carefully, without overloading her leg. Her wounds had healed, but Alpha couldn’t walk for extended periods; she would tire and lick her paws. Even after treatment, her hind legs did not look very aesthetically pleasing, but most importantly, they provided support. For a large dog, being able to rely on all limbs is crucial.
Alpha’s age is estimated to be over 10 years; the exact age remains unknown. She is a smart, well-behaved dog, particularly good with children. She may bark fiercely but does not bite; her barking is more of a formality. She loves carrying her bowl around; it looks quite amusing.
At over 15 years old, Barsuk’s age is etched in every slow step and the faded vision of his remaining eye. Though he yearns for love, most see only an old dog with health issues, not the loyal companion within.
Male
15+ Years old
Neutered
Medium Size
At the shelter since 2017
He has Heart Failure, which causes coughing, and gastrointestinal problems. He needs Vetmedin tablets and special gastrointestinal food.
Westy’s frailty and age, evident in his every movement, speak of the hardships of his 15+ years. He is nearly def and blind, and his kidney condition requires regular checkups and medicine to keep him comfortable. No hope of finding a human willing to take on such a significant responsibility and expense.
Male
15+ Years old
Neutered
Medium Size
Westy is a shelter resident since April 2023
In a cruel twist of fate, this little senior sweetie – who is partially blind to boot – was willfully discarded by his family, after more than a DECADE of showing them nothing but love and loyalty. And suddenly, this poor boy’s sole purpose became not to simply “exist,” but to endure routine and relentless pain: Seen as nothing more than a punching bag – as mere “bait” to be used by the so-called “humans” who were training their fighting dogs to mutilate another animal.
Westy had drag marks all over his poor abdomen, which indicate he had been forcefully pulled. And to top it all off, there were TWO canine teeth discovered – lodged deeply within a large, infected wound on his neck.
Altogether, these signs point to a single, harrowing conclusion: Larger dogs had tried to end his life, on more than just one occasion.
Westy’s recovery is ongoing and he would appreciate some support from afar.
Now over 15 years of age, Grandpa Petro once knew a home’s warmth. When his family passed away, he was cast aside into the wilderness by the relatives of his deceased owner. Elderly and alone, he now yearns for basic medical attention that might bring comfort to his golden years.
Male
15+ Years old
Neutered
Medium Size
Petro needs to take vitamins and supplements to support his aging body. He also is on joint support injections during Winter-Spring months
We are happy to announce that Halle has found her forever home with a compassionate and loving family.
After Halle’s story touched the hearts of people near and far, a remarkable family stepped forward to provide her with the safe and nurturing environment she so desperately needed. This loving family, already blessed with two older canine companions, visited the shelter and welcomed Halle with open arms into their home. We are filled with hope and optimism for Halle’s future. Though it has only been a week since Halle left the shelter, her spirits are already up, and she is adapting beautifully to her new surroundings.
Having tragically lost her own family to a brutal fate, the presence of the family’s older dogs has offered Halle a sense of security and companionship, aiding in her healing process. However, it is the loving touch of humans that she craves most of all.
A heartfelt THANK YOU goes out to everyone who has shown their support for Halle. ❤
