Tail Wagger's 1990

Franklin Update! 9/5/24

Dr. Porter feels we made a good decision by operating on the slipped/bulging disc on his spine. Today Franklin is resting comfortably, on strong pain meds, had continued feeling in his back Paws and it appeared there was more muscle movement than prior to surgery. Franklin still cannot walk, but with the removal of the disc material that was putting the compression on his spine, he just might walk again - only time will tell. The technicians sent over this picture after his morning exam...very drugged BUT alive and the recovery now begins!

PLEASE, HELP US COVER HIS MEDICAL EXPENSES! IF WE CAN EVEN RAISE $5000, (VERSUS $8500) , IT WILL BE A TREMENDOUS RELIEF.

This week has been devastating and financially we werent unexpecting this. We rented a Penske truck for a huge food delivery - to be handed out FREE to those in need. We are vaccinating the animals in SW Detroit for ONLY $25 on Saturday - 50% LOWER than normal and we ordered almost $4000 of vaccines and products so our clients can AFFORDABLY receive vaccinations for their pets.

We do SO MUCH for our clients, fellow rescues, and even the stranger that walks in needing help.... but now it's our turn to ask for help FOR AN ANIMAL that deserved this chance and, sadly, it doesn't appear that anyone can contribute.....or just hasn't had the time. I pray we can get this money, for Franklin's sake.

FRANKLIN - the Frenchie Everyone Knows!

Dear Friends, Animal Lovers, and Supporters,

Today, our hearts are heavy as we face an unexpected and urgent challenge. Franklin, our beloved office dog and faithful companion at Tail Waggers, had a sudden medical emergency which required a Veterinary Neurologist and emergency surgery. Franklin isn't just a pet; he’s a valued member of our team, a constant source of joy, and a symbol of unconditional love for everyone who walks through our doors.

What Happened?

Franklin, a pure-bred French Bull-Dog was diagnosed with multiple malformations shortly after he turned three-months old. Besides not growing like the rest of his litter-mates, Franklin was considered “abnormal” with his appearance. Having a larger head, it was confirmed Franklin had hydrocephalus, a compacted vertebrae caused him to not have the appearance of a neck and scoliosis which, we learned, would eventually cause him severe problems if left untreated.

Franklin lost complete use of both his back legs on Monday, and seeing them extended behind him, with pads facing up, multiple neurological disorders were presented. He was rushed to Blue Pearl Neurology with Dr. Gerrad Galle and Dr. Porter for emergency evaluation.

Agreeing to an MRI to find conclusive results of what was really wrong, we were in a panic because of the immediate need for down-payment money just to get him out of pain he was in. The matter worsened when we learned that IF surgery was needed, ANOTHER down-payment would need to be made, and that is when we almost gave up hope.

Why We Need Your Help

As an organization dedicated to helping people help animals, we never expected that one of our own would need such a vast amount of donations to enable us to get him hospitalized, observed, surgery to correct a herniated disc and long-term, follow-up care. As of now, he will be staying in the hospital, for around-the-clock-care for a minimum of five days. Because we KNOW Franklin is not ready to be euthanized - especially because of money - we waited 24-hours to see if his condition worsened or stayed stable. The already dismal news we had been receiving regarding his overall health, our minds started to come to terms with the fact that Franklin might be crossing Rainbow Bridge. News from Dr. Porter came in the morning that Franklin STILL had feeling in his legs - he turned suddenly when pressure was applied to his feet - and we were told this made him a perfect candidate for surgery on his spine - AND was the only hope of him ever walking again. Many consultations with our own veterinarians, technicians and professionals, we all agreed that Franklin DESERVED this chance and if, for some reason, his quality of life was not good, at least we would always know we TRIED everything before laying him to rest.

How You Can Help

Receiving the estimate for his MRI, multiple x-rays, bloodwork, medication, surgery, hospital stay, follow-up and other incidentals he might need to give him the best possible chance of recovering, our hearts sank with the projected, overwhelming cost to give Franklin a chance of survival and to walk again. The total estimate is expected to exceed $8,000.00.

We are humbly asking for your support to help cover Franklin’s medical expenses. No amount is too small, and every donation will go directly towards his surgery, treatment, and recovery. If you can't contribute financially, we ask that you please share Franklin’s story with others. Together, we can make a difference and give Franklin the chance he deserves!

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support. Franklin means the world to us, and so many others and for that we are grateful for any help you can provide during this difficult time.

With Gratitude

,

FRANKLIN,

Laura Kuchinski, Founder

Susan Kranjeke, Receptionist/Owner

Tail Waggers Team & Board Members

4/10/24 - UPDATE

Last night, Tail Waggers received a frantic call from some factory workers in the depths of Detroit regarding a dog that had been "running for over 3 weeks" but could not be caught. Seeing pictures after they successfully were able to lure her with food, told us she needed to be rescued. Completely emaciated and able to count every rib, joint and toes, this terrified little girl had open wounds, fly-bitten ears, a tail tucked so far under that it appeared to be stuck. Getting her off the streets and to our office for the night with small amounts of food and water, then into see our Romeo doctor in the morning, it is determined that she needs emergency care, bloodwork, x-rays, heartworm testing and a hospital stay with fluids.

Please help. This has made our Go Fund Me appeal even MORE dire now that we are adding an extensive medical bill to our already depleted funds! The story we told becomes secondary to the life and well-being of this animal!

This is our story......

Tail Waggers 1990 is a 501 (c)(3) non profit organization located in Livonia and Romeo, Michigan. Because of our commitment to animals over the past 35 years and the 37,000 animals that have walked through our doors in the last 14 years, we are now telling our story to humbly ask for financial assistance from pet lovers and supporters, so we can continue moving forward and helping even more animals for years to come.

Starting in a garage handing out pet food to those struggling to feed their animals, and conducting low-cost vaccination clinics in multiple communities, allowed us to hear stories of real people who needed help for their animals, but couldn't find it. With eyes closed and taking a leap of faith, in 2011 Tail Waggers opened their first store-front to hand out pet food and provide booster vaccines for those who attended our low-cost clinics. Suddenly, this unique concept of feeding and vaccinating animals at a reduced cost became an invaluable resource for pet owners who would not otherwise be able to afford these services.

Barely surviving a global pandemic, fundraisers canceled for a two-year period, and unemployment still on the rise, Tail Waggers has even more pet owners walking through our doors because of our affordable, preventative care programs that allow people of ANY income to use our services. It is often heard that people can barely feed their families, let alone take care of animals and because of Tail Waggers, people can do both!

With costs rising EVERYWHERE, Tail Waggers has continued to be committed to animal health and has kept prices low for many years. Vaccines, preventatives, medical supplies and even truck rentals to bring in pet food for our Pantry 4 Paws is causing us a hardship that we have never had to face before. It seems like we have given so much, to so many, that we have literally put ourselves in a financial strain that needs to be resolved quickly.

While Tail Waggers cannot show you injured or tortured animals that other rescues do to raise money, what we CAN tell you is that our services are needed! Working with "owned" animals, the affordable pricing and community programs we have - including the Pantry 4 Paws Pet Food Assistance Program - KEEPS animals in their homes versus being turned over to a shelter, where they sit, behind bars, scared and alone looking for their family.

Tail Waggers is unique, we need to help, we want to help, but are in jeopardy of closing our doors due to the lack of financial support. We know that raising our prices can help, but does it REALLY help the pet owner who is facing a challenge and needs us? We don't want to be like all the others. We WANT to move forward with the reputation we have developed over the years, but can only do it by raising the much needed funds to keep a roof over our heads.

Tail Waggers has fallen behind on paying rent, utilities and medical supply bills. It has become so difficult that we are no longer able to carry preventatives, medications and the necessary supplies so that pet owners go home with everything they need to keep their pet healthy. Our suppliers have raised prices and, because of our non-profit status, we must pay upfront for every purchase. Sadly, due to these financial constraints, we are unable to carry all the products and preventatives we should be offering, but we are unable to afford both a paid professional staff and keeping our shelves fully stocked.

You've heard our story about the thousands we have assisted and now, we humbly ask for your help. Please consider making a tax deductible donation, any amount helps, so that Tail Waggers continues being a name and Organization that pet owners can trust to turn to for help. Times are tough, but no animal deserves to be given away because their owners are struggling. Help us keep them together by providing the services and food necessary so that no more animals are unwanted.

Thank you for caring.

Tail Wagger's 1990 Mission: Helping people help animals by offering affordable preventative veterinary care and pet food pantry assistance to dog and cat owners of any income level.