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Just over two months ago, Marley was scheduled to be euthanised.
His owners were leaving the country and this gentle seven-year-old boy, who had been with them since he was a puppy, was going to lose his life that very day.
I saw the post around midday. He was booked-in between 1 and 2pm.
I didn’t hesitate. I couldn’t live with myself knowing I might have been able to help and chose not to.
So I stepped forward to foster him.
Marley came home to me.
What I discovered broke my heart.
He had been forced to sleep outside under a veranda.
No warm bed.
No real affection.
At times, he endured abuse.
He had never truly known what it felt like to belong or to be genuinely loved.…yet, Marley is pure gentleness.
He craves closeness more than anything, soft touch, reassurance and companionship.
He chooses a kind hand over food any day. He is shy and nervous, often trembling as he quietly wonders if he is safe now.
In the past two months, he has slowly started to feel that he is in a safe place.
He now spends most of his time inside on a soft bed, follows me from room to room, and is learning what love feels like. He is even beginning to play, which is something new to him.
At seven years old, Marley is finally discovering what it feels like to be cherished.
Though his body tells another story.
We recently had Marley assessed by a musculoskeletal vet, and what she shared was quite confronting.
She explained that his body is under significant strain and that he is in a considerable amount of pain. The level of stress through his body is something she would normally expect to see in a dog who had experienced a major trauma, like a bad fall or something else severe.
Hearing that was heartbreaking.
It really confirmed that what Marley has been through has taken a much deeper toll than what we can see on the surface.
We are now beginning a rehabilitation plan to support his body and give him the best possible chance at a more comfortable life. This includes targeted exercises and pain relief.
His care will need to be assessed as we go, based on how his body responds and what he needs along the way.
Without this support, I was told his longevity may only be another two years, due to pain and discomfort. Though with the right care, this can be changed, and that is what I want to give him, the chance to not just survive, but to truly live with minimal pain. Marley also needs a few dog training sessions to help alleviate anxiety.
To do this, Marley now needs ongoing care, including:
Ongoing musculoskeletal treatment ( sessions recommended for every 3-6 weeks at this stage)
Veterinary care and diagnostics
Hydrotherapy (may be looked at)
Pain management and joint support
A mobility ramp and protective support for his paws
Dog training
I am hoping to raise $4,500 to help give him the best care.
Estimated costs for Marley’s care:
Musculoskeletal sessions (ongoing): $240 per session
Veterinary consultations: $600–$800
Diagnostics: $350–$500
Hydrotherapy: $800–$1,500
Pain support (6 months):$400-$500
Mobility support: $300–$400
Ongoing care: $500–$1,000
These are estimated ranges based on current advice, and his needs will be reassessed as we continue his rehabilitation.
Every dollar will go directly towards Marley’s treatment and well-being, and I will share updates about where the funds are going along the way.
I have also created an Amazon Wishlist for Marley, with items that would aid his well-being for those who feel more comfortable supporting in that way.
Asking for help isn’t easy for me, though this isn’t for me. This is for Marley, for where ever his journey takes him.
Just over two months ago, he was meant to die.
Today, he is learning how to live.
If you feel moved to help Marley have the life he almost lost, any support, whether donating or simply sharing, truly means so much.
Even small amounts help more than you know.
He survived.
Now, together, we help him thrive.
With love and gratitude,
Marley and me x
Organizer
