Give Cowboy a Chance at a Happy, Healthy Life

Operation Cowboy Up! Everyone, meet Cowboy! This GoFundMe is an attempt to give Cowboy a chance to experience a healthy, happy life. We’ve covered flea treatments, current vet bills up to this point, hookworm medication, antibiotics, and are making sure Cowboy has plenty to eat and lots of rest in a safe, loving place to call home. We’re asking for help covering his upcoming treatment, which will include the heartworm medication and associated vet stays, as well as getting him neutered once he’s recovered from the heartworm treatments since our area has an increasingly large issue with strays and overfull shelters.

Cowboy was found wandering the Hot Mess Homestead last week in rough shape. Savannah, owner at the Hot Mess Homestead, reached out to animal control to see if maybe he was lost or if they had room for him while waiting for a new home. It turned out animal control is full and Cowboy is not chipped. Savannah held onto this little guy while reaching out to rehome him, and we offered to keep him until we could find his forever home. After a few hours with him, our hearts broke for him, and we decided to be his forever home.

Cowboy is the sweetest dog! All he wants is a safe place to rest and a few scratches behind his ears. He is very timid and shy but has just eaten up every ounce of attention we’ve given him.

The vet estimated he’s 2 years old, and in that two years, it seems he’s only experienced the worst of life. He is utterly exhausted and spends most of his days sleeping or resting quietly, which is not normal for his breed at all. He showed up with wounds all over his neck and around his back. It looks like he was tied up, and a harness and collar were left on him 24/7. The wounds and scars are more than an inch wide in some places, and his skin grew over the harness. His skin and fur are permanently misshapen from this neglect and abuse. He was covered in fleas and was stress-licking his hair off in places when he came to us. After 3 long baths and medication, his fleas are semi under control.

Unfortunately, not all of his issues are as easily fixed. We got him tested for several things and found out he has an infection and hookworms. Worst of all, the vet confirmed his exhaustion was not normal and recommended we test him for heartworms. He tested positive and based on his symptoms already has a very severe case at only 2 years old. Without medication, he will die from this.

We appreciate any and all help! This was not our plan, but sometimes you’ve just got to take a leap and do a good thing, hoping the rest will work itself out.