We urgently need your help.

In May, we shared the story of Saint, a two-year-old pup who was adopted from a local shelter and later enrolled in training with Guiding Canines. Somewhere along the way, his world shifted — and he was left in their care.

Since then, Saint has continued living with Val and her husband, Caleb — two incredibly compassionate human beings who never could have imagined they’d suddenly become his only safety net. They stepped up without hesitation, even though they were never meant to be his long-term guardians.

Saint needs more than love — he needs medical answers.

What’s Going On With Saint?

Saint has significant neurological challenges that impact his daily life.

He occasionally loses bladder and bowel control, especially when sleeping. And though he’s made progress over time, it hasn’t been linear.

He moves with an unsteady coordination, and he often makes repetitive mouth movements — almost like he’s chewing gum — that signal something deeper is going on.

How Did He Get Here?

When Saint was left in their care, Val and Caleb found themselves caring for a dog with complex needs — without the resources or preparation to do so.

They love him deeply, but they were never set up to become his forever family, nor to afford the level of medical care he needs. The shelter was unable to take Saint back due to the extent of his needs, which we respect and understand.

But that means that, once again, Saint was left without a path forward.

And so, he stayed — because Val and Caleb could not bear to let him go unsupported.

They have done everything in their power to help him. But love alone isn’t enough to give Saint the life he deserves.

What’s Next

We’ve scheduled an initial exam for Saint at Riverside Vet next Tuesday. From there, the hope is to connect him with a specialist who can:

✅ Evaluate his neurological symptoms

✅ Help guide a treatment or management plan

✅ Give us a clearer understanding of his future

Saint didn’t choose any of this — the system failed him.

He simply fell through the cracks.

But we’re determined to make sure he doesn’t stay there.

Why We’re Asking for Help

Val and Caleb have done so much for Dog Squad — and the community — already. They have fostered endlessly, opened their home without question, and are currently fostering Nyx, a Dog Squad pup.

Their kindness and willingness to step up have left us speechless.

Now, it’s our turn to step up for them — and for Saint.

We’ve launched this GoFundMe to make sure Saint finally receives:

The diagnostic testing he’s needed for months

Specialist consultation

Ongoing medical care

The dignified life every animal deserves

As always, we will post estimates, invoices, and receipts as we receive them — because transparency matters.

Saint Deserves a Chance

Saint is quirky. He is gentle. He is loving. He is trying every day — even when his body doesn’t cooperate.

Dogs like Saint are often overlooked because their needs are complex. But that doesn’t make them any less worthy of care. His story is exactly why rescues like ours exist: to catch those who slip through the cracks.

We see him.

We love him.

And with your help, we’ll make sure he finally gets the care he was promised from the start.

How You Can Help

Your donation — no matter the size — will help Saint receive the medical evaluation and treatment needed to move forward with hope.

If you’re unable to give, sharing this fundraiser is just as meaningful.

❤️ Donate if you can. Share if you can. Care if you can.

Together, we can rewrite Saint’s story.

Thank you for showing up for a dog who has been failed more than once — and for proving that community still exists.

With gratitude,

Dog Squad

You can make a difference by donating today to Dog Squad. Dog Squad is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit shelter-less foster-based dog rescue organization based in Greenville, SC. We rescue many of our dogs from euthanasia at overcrowded shelters. We also take in sick, injured, abused, and abandoned stray dogs who may not have been given a second chance otherwise.