Freedom Tails Ohio

Dear friends,

As many of you know, my sweet boy Paulie lost his fight with congenital heart disease on December 1, 2024.

Paulie was rescued by Freedom Tails Ohio in Columbus, OH, after being discarded by a breeder when he was diagnosed with a heart murmur. He had the most severe form of pulmonary stenosis, and the rescue told me I would be lucky to have him for three years. But when I first saw that tiny 12-week-old ball of fluff, I knew he belonged with me, no matter how short the time.

I work in pediatric cardiology and have treated many children with pulmonary stenosis, so I was well aware of Paulie’s condition. I sought two separate opinions from the Ohio State University and the University of Colorado veterinary cardiology departments, and unfortunately, there were no surgical options or interventions available. Despite all the adjustments we made to his medications, his heart continued to deteriorate. But if you met Paulie, you would never have guessed he was so sick. He was a happy, playful boy who loved to chase his bright pink ball. He tired easily and needed rest, but he never let his condition slow him down.

In early November, Paulie developed complications from his heart disease and had to be hospitalized in the ICU. We were hopeful that it was a one-time issue, but sadly, on December 1st, he suffered another pulmonary embolism. At just 16 months old, it was time to let him go.

On that night, the emergency room vet asked if we’d be willing to allow an autopsy. Though we already knew his heart disease had taken him, we agreed, hoping Paulie could contribute to the learning of veterinary residents. His doctor later called to thank us, sharing that his case had sparked a new interest in cardiology for several of the students. She even told me that Paulie’s influence had been felt across the whole class. I like to think that his short life will inspire future breakthroughs for dogs with pulmonary stenosis. In a way, this has given me a small comfort in my grief, and I now think of his time with us as “Paulie’s Purpose.” His legacy will live on in ways we can’t yet fully understand.

Losing Paulie has been the hardest thing I’ve ever faced, but my mom reminded me that perhaps his life had a greater purpose—one that reaches far beyond what I could have imagined. And it’s in that spirit that I’ve opened my heart once again.

Just five weeks after losing Paulie, I learned about two puppies who, like Paulie, needed to be rescued because they were born with severe heart murmurs. Their breeder was going to discard them due to their condition. I knew I had to help. Adopting and caring for medically fragile heart dogs isn't easy, but after my journey with Paulie, I’m certain it’s what I’m meant to do. Paulie’s purpose was to help other pups like him, and I’m determined to carry that forward.

These two little girls, Lena and Birdie, are now in my care through Freedom Tails Ohio. They both have heart disease that is treatable, but they were already in heart failure at just 9 weeks old. Their surgeries couldn’t wait. On January 13th, Birdie had her PDA surgery, and on January 14th, Lena had hers. In just a week, these two have begun to heal my shattered heart. The void Paulie left was immense, but these little ones are helping me feel whole again, and I owe them everything.

Now, I need your help. The cost of their surgeries is around $4,000–$5,000 each, and I am hoping you will join me in giving them the chance at life that Paulie wasn’t able to have. If you feel moved to help, please consider donating to Freedom Tails Ohio.

How to donate: Please include my name (Kacy Taylor) on all donations

* GoFundMe link

* Venmo: @freedomtailsohio or @KacyL-Taylor

* PayPal: [email redacted]

* Mail a check:
Freedom Tails Ohio
6676 Feder Rd
Galloway, OH 43119

* Direct payment to OSU:
Call OSU at [phone redacted], press 3, then press 0. Ask to make a payment on the Freedom Tails Ohio account. Be sure to request an email receipt for yourself and Freedom Tails Ohio.

These little angels deserve the chance at life, and your support will make that possible.

Paulie’s heart was just too big for this world. I will miss him every single day for the rest of my life, but I find comfort in knowing his spirit is still with me, guiding me to help others like him. Until we meet again, my sweet angel.

With love and gratitude,

Kacy