We have much to be grateful for at RAGOM.
All of the dogs at RAGOM are safe in loving foster homes. Our volunteers are doing amazing things every day to ensure each dog gets care, and we are continuing to rescue dogs in need (while following social distancing guidelines and local ordinances).
We know times are tough. But if you’re able, we could use a little help.
Although our adoptions are on hold while we get through the pandemic, our expenses keep coming in. Normally, adoption fees make up a significant part of our monthly budget, and regular donations arrive in our mailbox.
We have 75 dogs currently in our care, and they’ll all be with us at least through the pandemic. In addition to their veterinary bills, we need to cover their monthly prescriptions: heartworm and tick preventatives, parasite medications, antibiotics for ear infections, medicines for fearful dogs who are overcoming trauma, and pills for arthritic senior dogs.
We are bracing and preparing for the months ahead. If previous economic downturns are any indication, we may see a large increase in surrendered dogs in the coming months. We are doing all we can to prepare, so we’ll be able to welcome and care for a potential influx of Goldens.
Julie gave us a big surprise
Several weeks ago, five-year-old Julie arrived in our care. We rescued her from an auction during a breeder sellout. She was so emaciated her ribs protruded.
Julie was being fostered in South Dakota, where vet surgeries are still being performed. Yesterday, her foster brought her to the vet for her spay appointment. Before surgery, the veterinarian examined her and noticed something shocking: Julie is very pregnant. She’s due to give birth any day.
This came as quite a surprise, because another vet clinic somehow missed the pregnancy just a few weeks before. Julie’s foster mom had noticed some little changes, but she’d been giving Julie extra food to help her gain weight, and many breeder rescues arrive with low hanging mammaries. And because Julie is shy, her foster hadn’t been rubbing her belly.
Surprise! Julie’s x-ray reveals lots of puppies.
Julie’s foster didn’t have the needed supplies to care for a mama dog in labor, or the puppies that follow. We’re in the midst of a pandemic and we had a dog ready to give birth at any moment, so quick decisions had to be made. A volunteer drove for hours to get Julie to a new foster who had the needed equipment, as well as previous experience in caring for mama dogs and infants.
We are excited and ready to give Julie and her puppies the care they need. But her story is just one of the 75 dogs currently in our care. Each of them requires funds to ensure they stay safe and healthy. If you’re able to help, we’d be grateful for your support.