Help Rebel Recover After a Life-Threatening Emergency

If you know our family, you know Rebel and Lily aren’t “just dogs”—they’re true members of the Hanford crew. Rebel especially has never met a stranger. He lives for being near people, soaking up love, and giving it right back. So when they started at a new sitter for daycare, we thought they’d enjoy it. But everything changed on day two.

A Sudden, Terrifying Change

After our mom picked them up, something felt “off.” By 2 AM, Rebel became violently sick. A few hours later, Lily followed. Both were suddenly lethargic, vomiting, and declining fast. When Lily began throwing up blood, we rushed them to VEG Vet—who we HIGHLY recommend and who showed them immense care.

After tests and IVs, Lily was able to go home, but Rebel wasn’t so lucky. X-rays showed an unknown object lodged in his intestines. The plan was to pump fluids into him for hours to try to move it into the colon. Overnight, Rebel began pooping blood, and the object barely moved. A specialist was called in to check all his organs.

Meanwhile, Lily—still weak, not eating, and refusing food—had to be brought back for another X-ray and to be admitted again. She only began to recover once she was near her brother.

A Fight We Refused to Lose

Thankfully, Rebel’s organs were strong. And during deeper imaging, the radiologist finally saw small signs of movement from the mysterious object. But Rebel was still fading. By Saturday night, his condition dropped so suddenly that the doctors moved us into a quiet room, preparing us for what could be an extremely difficult night.

But the Hanfords don’t quit—and neither does Rebel.

Christopher booked an emergency flight. Mom started trying everything to get Rebel to eat on his own. We knew if he could eat without depending on the feeding tube, he’d stand a chance. She even snuck baby food into his water so he might accidentally ingest something. Nothing worked. Rebel had no interest in food.

Then we tried his favorite thing in the world: a bison steak—lean, gentle on the stomach, and something he truly loves. Mom held out two small pieces, and Rebel snapped them right out of her hand.

It worked.

For the first time, he ate. Then he ate again. Slowly, his spark began to return.

Rebel’s Turning Point

When Christopher arrived, Rebel lifted his head. He started recognizing us again. He kissed Christopher all over his face. His tail moved with a little excitement. It was BEAUTIFUL.

After six long days in the hospital, Rebel was finally cleared to come home. Lily is fully recovered, but Rebel… he still has a long road ahead. His appetite is inconsistent, he struggles to walk, and he’s very weak—but he’s fighting with everything he’s got.

Why We’re Asking for Help

This emergency came out of nowhere. Between two dogs being hospitalized, countless tests, imaging, fluids, around-the-clock care, and Rebel’s extended stay, the medical bills are overwhelming.

Every single dollar raised will go directly toward:

    •    Rebel’s emergency hospitalization

    •    Imaging, testing, and continuous monitoring

    •    Continuing care, medication, and recovery support

    •    The portion of Lily’s emergency care that saved her too

Thank You for Helping Us Keep Rebel With Us

Rebel has been the rock of our family—especially through difficult times like the pandemic. He is loved by our family, our friends, our neighbors, and truly anyone who has ever met him.

Having Rebel home after almost losing him is the greatest Christmas gift we could imagine. Your support—whether a donation or simply sharing this page—means the world to us and gives Rebel the best chance at a full recovery.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for loving our gentle giant and helping us keep him here with us this holiday season.

The Hanford Family