Hi everyone, meet Scruff ❤️

I'm raising funds for a sweet, wobbly little puppy who was found abandoned on the streets of Chicago.

He's been surviving on his own for at least several days. On June 6, he was first spotted and posted in a local community Facebook group. On June 8, someone called 311 for help, but no one came and the ticket was eventually canceled.

A friend of mine was following the posts and managed to find the area where he had been seen. She rushed over to look for him and sent me a video. This tiny dog could barely walk without losing his balance. He stumbled, fell over, and struggled just to get from one place to another. I'm not sure if he had been abused or injured, but he needed support. He was originally spotted with a slightly bigger dog that we're guessing was his mom protecting him, but she's no where to be found. Some people are still out looking for her.

I grabbed a blanket and a box, drove over immediately, and took him to a nearby animal hospital. He's estimated to be between 6 months and a year old, weighs 12 pounds, and appears to be some kind of Schnauzer mix. He's not microchipped, and we don't know anything about his history, including whether he's ever received vaccinations or medical care.

He struggles to walk in a straight line, frequently loses his balance, and often falls over. His head bobs and trembles, especially when he's concentrating or trying to move around. Slippery floors are especially difficult for him, and you can see the frustration on his face when his body won't cooperate with what he's wants to do. Despite everything he's been through, he is one of the sweetest dogs I've ever met. He doesn't bark, growl, or whine, except maybe from a little pain he could be experiencing on his lower spine.

At the hospital, they tested for toxins to determine whether poisoning could be causing his symptoms. The tests came back negative. At this point, veterinarians suspect there may be an underlying neurological condition, although we still don't have answers. They told us that they could run tests for a deposit of $6000, or euthanize him. I couldn't bring myself to put this sweet little boy down, but I also cannot afford the cost of this, especially when we don't know what's wrong with him yet. I'll be calling around to see what options exist for lower-cost treatments.

The hospital sent him home with four medications, including antibiotics and steroids, in hopes of treating any underlying infection or inflammation that could be contributing to his condition. It's a shot in the dark and we're hopeful, but the reality is that we still don't know what's causing the wobbling.

One of the neighbors who originally called 311 stepped forward and paid the entire emergency hospital bill of $441. A complete stranger was a total angel.

Since then, I've brought him home and set him up in my bathroom while we wait for answers. I have two cats, so I'm keeping them separated until we know more about his health and can get him vaccinated.

He's settled in very well. I gave him a bath, trimmed the fur that was covering his eyes, and gave him some yummy food and water. He's eating, drinking, cuddling, and soaking up every bit of affection he can get. Because of his coordination issues, he frequently knocks over his food and water bowls, but another kind neighbor brought over a feeder that keeps everything in place.

It's been amazing to watch complete strangers come together to help this little dog.

This morning, I took him to another veterinarian. Through the Facebook group, someone connected me with a veterinarian who generously offered to run bloodwork and X-rays for just $150 — to which, another wonderful woman is helping with the cost. We are currently waiting for those results and hoping they provide some answers.

No matter what happens, this puppy deserves a chance. He deserves medical care, safety, comfort, and the opportunity to live a life where he doesn't have to struggle alone. All he wants to do is love people.

Any funds raised will go directly toward his veterinary care, diagnostics, medications, supplies, and any treatment or rehabilitation he may need moving forward.

At this stage, we still don't know the full extent of his medical needs. Neurological diagnostics, imaging, specialist consultations, medications, rehabilitation, and long-term care can become expensive very quickly. My hope is that his needs end up being far less than that.

If his medical expenses do not require the full amount raised, I will donate the remaining funds to a local Chicago-area animal rescue or shelter helping dogs in need. I will provide updates and receipts throughout his journey so donors can see exactly how funds are being used.

This little puppy has already been helped by so many kind strangers, and I would love for that kindness to continue helping other animals as well.

Thank you for helping us give this little guy the second chance he deserves. Thank you to everyone who has already offered to help him. I know we can't change the world and save all the strays, but this one entered my life and I plan to save him and change his world.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Love,

Laura — crazy cat lady gone rogue.