What happens when an activist/wildlife rehabber and the director of a homeless shelter/dog rescuer find a disabled puppy that is about to be euthanized? A $10,000 vet bill and a story of determination.

Sheida Soleimani is an activist, educator, artist, wildlife rehabber, and founder of Congress of the Birds–a wildlife clinic in Rhode Island.

Kat Monterosso is a community organizer, director of a homeless shelter, and founder of Street Animal Rescue Alliance–rescue that operates in Guatemala and Mexico.

Both of us know what it is like to face injustices and suffering on a daily basis. Both of us know that we cannot solve systemic issues in isolation or save every animal we come across that is in need.

But when we came across a 3mo old puppy facing euthanasia because his medical needs were too costly, we knew it was time to launch our first collaboration.

Meet Grem. Likely the result of a puppy mill operation, Grem was brought to a city pound and surrendered as a "stray" at just about 10wks old. Both of his back legs have grade 4 luxated patellas, which means his "kneecaps" don't stay in place. He goes from walking/running normally to collapsing and dragging his hind legs without any warning.

Despite looking like a disheveled old man with a mild hunchback, he is actually just a baby. He is a curious, playful little guy who is just learning about the world outside of the sad cages and kennels that were all he knew for his first few months of life.

The bad news is that he will not grow out of this condition, he is in pain, and there are no moderate interventions to help. The good news is that there is a surgical option which is regularly successful and will result in him leading a full and normal life. The initial estimate for this surgery is $10k, which is why the pound where he was abandoned was facing the horrendous reality of euthanizing a puppy.

Together, we are committed to creating a different future for this little Gremlin. With your support, we can give him the future that he deserves.

Grem's story would not be possible without Becky from Walker's Way Rescue, who initially pulled him from the pound to save him from euthanasia. We are tremendously grateful for her compassion and the incredible work she does!