Rescue Haven Foundation

Last week, we came across an urgent facebook plea  for a puppy that had arrived at the Manhattan Animal Care Center of NYC as a stray, and desperately needed help. Called "Santino" at the shelter, the puppy was not putting any weight on his front right leg, and the shelter's X-Rays revealed a fracture. The Rescue Haven team quickly sprung in to action -- there was no time to waste as the puppy was on that day's "At Risk List." 

Within hours, we had stepped up to take SANTO ("a saint" in Spanish, and fewer syllables for him to learn!) into our care. Although we knew that his medical care would be expensive and his recovery long and potentially challenging, we wanted to do everything we could to ensure that this puppy's life be pain-free, happy and healthy. Santo arrived at Verona Animal hospital on Thursday August 2nd, where Dr. Scriff confirmed with X-Rays that Santo's humerus (part of his elbow joint) was broken and would need specialty orthopedic surgery. Despite being in pain and no doubt confused about his past week of arriving at the shelter and then the hospital, Santo remained sweet, loving and gentle with everyone he met.

Dr. Davis, of the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, performed surgery on Santo's leg this past Saturday August 4th. He inserted one metal plate to hold the joint together, and predicted that the injury was a few weeks old as there was already some calcification. We can't imagine how awful it must have been for Santo to be navigating the streets of New York City with a broken leg for all fo that time, but he doesn't seem to be dwelling on that so neither are we! Santo's surgery was successful and he is expected to make a full recovery after at least 8 weeks of restricted activity and lots of rest in his foster home. 

As you will see on the photo of the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital invoice, THE TOTAL BILL FOR SANTO'S SURGERY WAS $4,234.82. This includes a generous rescue group discount.


We are asking our friends and supporters to please help us pay off this very expensive bill, which we believe was worth every penny. Without this surgery, Santo's future would be one full of pain. Now, he will go on to live a happy, healthy life. Thank you for helping us to give him this gift.

To follow along with Santo's recovery, see the hashtag #SANTOSTRONG  on instagram and facebook.

Thank you!

Meet Max! Max sat in a NJ shelter for over a year before his adoption in the Spring of 2013. Soon after, the adopters realized they didn't have room for Max in their lives, but the shelter wouldn’t take him back. That’s when FernDog Rescue Foundation (Ferndog.org) came into his life. Once in the rescue he was in and out of foster homes. Each home discovering a new “Max Rule”.

Rule 1: Max doesn’t like strangers in his home
Rule 2: Max doesn’t like SOME men
Rule 3: Max becomes comfy within 2 weeks and then thinks he knows the rules

FernDog Rescue Foundation has spent endless hours searching for options for Max and his needs. From multiple boarding facilities, to foster homes, FernDog has reached out to sanctuaries near and far in hopes of a better life for Max. With all of this, only one person has truly offered to save him.

Max is now headed to rehab with Anna Cilento, trainer and sanctuary owner, at her facility where he is looking to better himself and live his life with love and comfort close by. To do this, we need to ensure that his needs are met for life. Every dollar will help us send Max for much needed assistance in his behavioral hiccups, but also ensure that he will be safe for the rest of his life with his new “team.”

FernDog Rescue is not giving up on him, only offering him a new leash on life, one that is safe for all involved.

FernDog Rescue needs to raise $5,000 in order to place Max with Anna and her team. Please donate at the link below. Every dollar counts!
DONATE HERE: gofund.me/hope4max