On August 1st, a heartbreaking situation unfolded near a busy highway: two of the sweetest dogs, who we now call Teddy and Bear, were found abandoned and fending for themselves. For two terrifying weeks, these boys dodged cars and scavenged for food, their fear of people preventing them from accepting the help they so desperately needed.

A group of dedicated neighbors—fondly calling ourselves the Addison Stray SWAT Team—came together for an incredible mission. We were driven by a single purpose: to rescue two frightened, abandoned dogs who had been living on the streets. We spent countless hours putting up flyers and speaking to everyone we met, determined to find them. Our persistence paid off when a lead finally guided us to an abandoned apartment complex where the two boys were living.

Our rescue mission began with patience. We set up feeding stations and slowly worked to earn their trust. Day by day, we saw their wariness turn into small acts of courage. This slow and steady effort paid off when they finally felt brave enough to venture into a neighbor's yard and were able to safely contain them.

For the next week, we took turns visiting them in the backyard, providing them with shelter, food, and endless affection. We showered them with treats and gentle words, doing everything we could to make them feel safe, loved, and protected—something they likely hadn't experienced in a very long time.

As we searched for help, it became clear that no local shelters or rescues had the capacity to take them in. But after seeing their personalities blossom and their trust in us grow, we knew we couldn't give up on these two sweet boys. We are now committed to giving them the lives they deserve, and we need your help to make that happen.

This weekend we took them to get vaccinated and checked out, receiving a major blow to our plans. A heartworm test revealed both dogs are HEARTWORM POSITIVE, adding a major complication to our efforts to find them a permanent home.

Despite this setback, we've come together as a team to give them a second chance. We've found long-term fosters for both dogs, but now we face a long and expensive road to recovery. We have an amazing neighbor who stepped up as a long term foster for Teddy, and I am fostering Bear along with the help of our Addison Stray Swat team.

Teddy and Bear are incredible dogs who deserve a loving family. We know they are easily adoptable once we get through this. We are committed to getting them healthy and ready for adoption. With your help, we can get them the care they need and finally find them the homes they've been waiting for.

We're trying to enroll Teddy and Bear in the Finder to Foster program with Austin Animal Center (AAC), which could cover their basic medical care and potentially their heartworm treatment. However, we're facing some serious challenges that can't wait.

Bear has shown signs that his heartworm disease is progressing, and we simply can't wait until our first scheduled appointment on September 3rd. His condition is urgent. Additionally, AAC requires all dogs to be neutered before treatment, but we are concerned that Bear's heart may not be strong enough to handle the surgery in his current state. Bears’s got a vet appointment 8/19 to get a better option and some X-rays.

These boys have a long road ahead of them. Beyond the immediate medical needs, we are facing six months of expenses for two large dogs. This includes feeding them, crate training, vet appointments, and adoption promotion. The costs add up quickly and we've estimated this will get us through the next 6 months.

We are reaching out to you for help. Your support will go directly toward these unexpected expenses (Bear’s heartworm treatment is $1100 alone!), giving these two incredible boys the fighting chance they deserve. With your help, we can make sure they get the care they need, when they need it, without delay.